The VASA Order of America
A Swedish-American Organization

The VASA Order of America began more than a century ago as a fraternal society for Swedish immigrants to the United States. Over the past nine decades, however, the organization has grown to meet the needs of the entire Scandinavian-American community and provides members a way to celebrate the rich heritage and customs of Scandinavia.   Although Swedish in origin, the VASA Order today welcomes men and women over 14 years of age of Scandinavian roots (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish,  Icelandic, or committed to the promotion of Swedish and Nordic heritage) and their families who would like to enjoy the traditions of their forefathers or share their Scandinavian heritage.  There are currently 22,000 Vasa members in the USA, Canada and Sweden.

With over 200 local lodges in North America and 45 sister lodges in Sweden, Vasa members and their families come together monthly for fellowship, traditional celebrations and food, educational experiences, Scandinavian music, folk dancing and other activities.

A list of VASA activities includes…

• Scandinavian cultural and heritage programs, Swedish language study, literature, films and videos
• Commemoration of Swedish holidays and other specific Scandinavian events
• Folk dancing, choruses, dinners, dances, sports activities and picnics
• Children and youth clubs, including summer camps in United States and Sweden
• Scholarships and student loans for vocational, undergraduate and graduate study in United States, Canada or Scandinavian countries

The Carl Larsson Lodge

VASA’s Carl Larsson Lodge #739 meets in Raleigh, NC, ten times a year – normally at 6:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.  We have no meetings in July and August. Yearly dues are $20 per person.  Our normal meeting location is the Quail Hollow Swim Club, 800 Orleans Place, in Raleigh.  Several times a year, however, we meet at other locations for special celebrations such as our fabulous Midsommar Picnic in June and a delightful Crayfish Party in September.
Each meeting features a traditional homemade Swedish dinner (prepared by VASA’s own chefs!) -- as well as a program about some aspect of Sweden and/or Scandinavia. 
Our December meeting celebrates the holidays with a beautiful Lucia Procession, after which members and guests delight to the Julbord – the traditional Swedish Christmas feast!

Also in December, VASA and SWEA-NC co-sponsor the Raleigh Scandinavian Christmas Fair (Julmarknad), one of the fastest-growing festivals in the Southeast.


Membership:
You may apply for membership if you are fourteen years of age or older and meet one of the following requirements:

• You were born in a Nordic country
• You are of Nordic ancestry
• You are the spouse of an active Vasa member
• You are a non-nordic widow or widower of a Vasa member
• You are not of Nordic ancestry but are committed to the promotion and advancement of Swedish and Nordic heritage and culture
  

If you would like to become a member, fill out a membership application and send it, along with a check for $30 ($10 application fee; $20 yearly dues), to:


Rita Hollinghurst
115 Montclair Circle
Durham, NC  27713