About Us

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and preserve the heritage and culture of Norway and provide quality insurance and financial products to its members.

Sons of Norway was organized as a fraternal benefit society by 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 16, 1895. The purposes and goals of the Founding Fathers were to protect members of Sons of Norway and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family. Over time, the mission of Sons of Norway was expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture in our Society. We have grown since our beginning and are now the largest Norwegian organization outside Norway.

Lauderdale Lodge (#3-475) is the southernmost lodge of the Sons of Norway fraternal organization, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lauderdale Lodge was formed in 1965 with 70 new members and 8 transfers from the Miami Lodge. Our first President was Bjarne Eikevik and John Pedersen was our first Vice President. In our first 2 years, Bjarne formed the "Norseman Trio", initiated the Jensen Beach Leif Erikson Day Pageant, and acquired Viking ships.