Thule Lodge #127 VASA Order of America

Thule Lodge #127 VASA Order of America The Vasa Order of America began more than a century ago as a benefit fraternal society for Swedish immigrants to the United States. You are of Nordic ancestry.

VASA Order of America
A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization
As the world continues to shrink, it becomes ever more important that we promote, preserve, and celebrate our Swedish heritage and fellowship in all our cultural, educational, and social endeavors. Membership at the time was limited to Swedish born men who through the Vasa Order met others who needed to learn the new language and ways

of the new country. A benefit fund provided a small income to members during sickness, and a death benefit at the time would cover final expenses. The Order is named for Gustav Vasa, who liberated the country in the 16th century and became the first King of modern Sweden. The name of Vasa reflects the Order's roots as a Swedish American Fraternal Organization. Over the past century, many things have changed, and the Vasa Order has grown to meet the new needs of the Scandinavian American community. Where in the past, members looked to Vasa to help them learn the ways of the new country and provide them a means to share problems and solutions with their countrymen, today Vasa provides members a means to share their rich heritage with fellow Americans, and helps them to learn or remember the meaningful ways and values of the "Old Country." Swedish in origin, the Vasa Order welcomes men and women over 14 years of age of Scandinavian roots, (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish or Icelandic,) and their spouses who would like to rediscover the traditions of their forefathers; and those who are not of Nordic ancestry but are committed to the promotion and advancement of Swedish and Nordic heritage and culture. We do this by encouraging the observance of special dates old and new, such as Midsummer, Leif Ericksson Day, etc. with proper festivities including Smorgasbord and Scandinavian music. While much of our activity occurs during the summer season, in mid-December it is hard to find a Vasa Lodge where Luciafest is not observed. Many lodges and districts sponsor Language classes as well as Children's clubs in which Folk Dances are learned and performed in authentic costume. Whenever we can, we take part in programs where our rich heritage may be shared with the public. There are more than one hundred and fifty local lodges in the Vasa Order, governed by 18 District lodges in the United States, Sweden and Canada. The most popular monthly meeting nights are Friday and Wednesday. While you may apply for membership to any of our lodges, if you were to join the closest one to your home you would find it easier to participate in meetings and activities. The Educational Fund is supported through the sale of special stamps and member donations. The members of the Vasa Order of America are very proud to be able to offer assistance in the form of scholarships and student loan services to qualified students in quest of continued education. The Educational Fund:
Provides Vasa Scholarships to worthy students, enrolled or accepted for enrollment, in accredited institutions for higher learning. Provides monetary support to the Cultural Committee for promotion of Scandinavian culture. Provides monetary support to Children’s and Youth Clubs for understanding their Scandinavian heritage and enhancing cultural work. Provides monetary support to VASA Youth camp activities in Sweden. Provides Scholarships to worthy applicants for Swedish Language Village participation across the United States. Provides non-interest bearing loans to VASA-members in need of financial assistance to complete their education. 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 Nordic country. 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. All membership in VASA is through Local Lodges. To apply for membership, please contact the Secretary of the Local Lodge where you want to apply for membership. This is likely to be the Lodge that is meeting closest to where you live. You can find a listing of all Local Lodges on our website www.vasaorder.com/districts. If you want assistance with finding the nearest Lodge to you, please send a message, regular mail or email to our Membership Chairman:
Grand Lodge Membership Chairman:Bruce Elfvin 2924 E Overlook Rd.,Cleveland Hts., OH 44118-2434 USAemail: [email protected]

06/07/2026
05/21/2026

🚒 Join 3C’s Catering as we help celebrate 100 YEARS of the Fluvanna Fire Department! 🚒

We’ll have the food truck rolling into the celebration on Friday & Saturday, May 29-30, serving up all your 3C’s favorites while you enjoy an incredible weekend of community fun!

The event will feature live music, a beer tent, craft show, a corn hole tournament and, of course, GREAT FOOD from 3C’s Catering!

For details: https://www.facebook.com/FluvannaFireDepartmentmembers

Come hungry, bring your friends and family, and help honor a century of service from the Fluvanna Fire Department. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!

Mark your calendars and stop by the 3C’s food truck May 29 & 30!

05/14/2026

Your newly elected officers for 2026-2027 from the 117th Annual Convention at the Shawnee Inn in PA.

District Master Inger Hanright

Vice District Master Cathy Peterson

District Secretary Kory Warner

District Treasurer Christine Coleman

District Executive Board Denise Erickson

Brittany Warner

Adam Ashby

Asst. District Secretary Marge McClelland

District Trustees (one position) Kurt Christenson

District Auditors (one position) Ed Gunneson

District Chaplain Kirstin Kroll

District Cultural Leader Marie Demboski

District Master of Ceremonies Dan Pagan

Asst. District Master of Ceremonies Chad Peterson

District Inner Guard Allison Pagan

District Outer Guard Annemarie O’Donnell

05/10/2026

Hello VASA Members!! Have you received the Spring 2026 publication of THE VASA STAR? 📬 🇺🇸 🇸🇪 🇨🇦 Check your mailbox! It is within the most recent Nordstjernan Swedish Newspaper!

04/26/2026

April 25, 1976 - the King of Sweden, Carl Gustaf XVI, visited America for the Bicentennial. His last stop before flying home from NYC was JAMESTOWN! You can learn all about it at the May 19th talk by Fenton Executive Director Joni Blackman at 7 PM at the museum. A small exhibit of his visit will open following the talk.

04/07/2026

Easter Celebration in Sweden: A Magical Spring Tradition!🇸🇪

Easter in Sweden is not just a holiday, it’s a celebration full of colors, traditions, and joy! From charming towns to bustling cities, Swedish people welcome spring with open hearts and festive spirit. Streets are decorated with bright feathers, painted eggs, and cute little witches called “påskkärringar” running around, spreading laughter and cheer.

Families gather together, enjoying delicious Easter meals filled with herring, salmon, and sweet treats like chocolate eggs and marzipan. Kids have a blast hunting for hidden eggs, while adults indulge in fika moments, sipping coffee and sharing stories.

One of the most beautiful things about Easter in Sweden is how nature comes alive. Snow slowly melts, rivers sparkle under the sun, and gardens bloom with tulips and daffodils, making every celebration feel magical. It’s a perfect mix of tradition, family love, and springtime joy!

Whether you’re walking through cobblestone streets or enjoying a quiet countryside retreat, Easter in Sweden will leave you enchanted and inspired. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unique and heartwarming festival!

02/08/2026

Sámi National Day – February 6

Norway, Sweden, and Finland come together to celebrate Sámi National Day, honoring the Sámi people, the only officially recognized Indigenous people of Europe 🇳🇴🇸🇪🇫🇮

The Sámi have lived in the Arctic regions of Scandinavia for thousands of years, long before modern borders existed. Their homeland, known as Sápmi, stretches across Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia — a land shaped by snow, reindeer, mountains, and endless skies

This day is filled with colorful Sámi flags, traditional clothing called Gákti, soulful Joik singing, cultural gatherings, storytelling, and pride passed from one generation to the next

February 6 is not just a celebration — it’s a reminder of identity, survival, and respect for nature. The Sámi culture teaches harmony with the land, strong community bonds, and deep respect for traditions in one of the world’s harshest climates

Across Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, and especially in the northern regions, people raise the Sámi flag, share history, and stand in solidarity with Sámi rights and culture

Today, we honor their language, heritage, resilience, and spirit — a living culture that continues to thrive in the heart of the Nordic world.

Happy Sámi National Day!
Let’s celebrate diversity, history, and the voices of the North

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698 Prosser Hill Road
Bemus Point, NY
14701

Telephone

(716) 386-2509

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