Sons Of Norway

Sons of Norway is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1895 as the Independent Order of the Sons of Norway. The organization primarily represents people of Norwegian heritage in the United States and Canada. Its mission includes the promotion and preservation of the heritage and culture of Norway and other Nordic countries, and it provides life insurance and other financial products to its members. The organization is classified as a non-profit 501(c)(8) fraternal beneficiary society. Currently, the Sons of Norway has nearly 400 lodges in the United States, Canada, and Norway. With over 57,000 members, the Sons of Norway is the largest Norwegian organization outside of Norway. The organization was founded by 18 members in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to insure each other when they were unable to secure life insurance on their own. Membership is open to everyone with an interest in Norwegian or Norwegian–American culture. The benefits offered by the Sons of Norway have fluctuated over the years. They originally offered life, sickness and accident insurance but in 1934 restricted coverage to life insurance only. Gradually other benefits were restored. The organization’s headquarters is located at 1455 West Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408.