About Us

Sons of Norway District 5 - The Friendly Fifth

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 were to protect members and their families from the financial hardships during times of sickness or death. This was gradually expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture in our society.

Sons of Norway is the largest Norwegian-American organization in the world comprised of members in the United States, Canada and Norway. The organization provides opportunities for members to reconnect with the culture and traditions of Norway through local lodges and district lodge activities and events. There are 380 Sons of Norway lodges in North America and Norway organized into 8 districts. Current active adults and juvenile membership totals are approximately 53,568 as of December 2015.