FROM OUR DISTRICT MASTER - Bo carlsson

Hälsningar!  

Welcome to the website of Pennsylvania District #9 of the Vasa Order of America!

We are excited to have a real presence on the World Wide Web. District Lodge Pennsylvania #9 was established in 1908 to form a regional umbrella for local lodges in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Most of our activities are conducted through our local lodges Nobel-Monitor #130 in Cleveland, OH, Drott #168 in Potomac, MD, and Svea #296 in Erie, PA. Like many other fraternal and ethnic organizations in the United States, we have seen our membership decline in recent decades and several local lodges disappear. But the Executive Board of the District is determined to turn things around. Re-launching our websites at the District, as well as, each of the local lodges is a first step in that effort. While most of our current members are 2^nd or 3^rd generation Swedish-Americans, we are aware that there are many Swedes who have arrived in our area more recently, along with many others, who share our interest in preserving and celebrating our Swedish cultural heritage. We are planning in the coming months and years to expand our activities both at the local lodge level and through collaboration across the District. We invite you to join us in that effort! Please check out our websites to see how our plans unfold.

PA District #9 offers scholarships to youth and adults - the youth every year to Concordia Language Camp and for adults every two years to explore their Swedish heritage.  Karin Weeden was the recipient of the Adult Scholarship in 2020.  She used her scholarship money to travel to Sweden to learn about their National  Parks.  Scroll down the home page to see pictures and a description of her adventures!  Check out the Scholarships Tab above to learn about our scholarship process for adults and youth.  Applications for 2024 are available now.  Members, what could you learn with $3,000?

Direct Members - it's that time of year again to renew your memberships.    What does $25.75 get you?

• Vasa Archives – preserves the history of our lodges and our members.  It serves as a resource to members for genealogical and immigrant research of Scandinavian ancestors.   
• Nordstjernan – The Vasa Star – is the official publication of the Order, published 4 times per year, and mailed to every family in the Order.  It carries information from the Grand Lodge, articles about our Swedish heritage, language lessons, and Lodge activities from around the US, Canada, and Sweden.
• Old Age and Benefit Fund – financial assistance to members in need, based on age and years in the Order.  The eligibility matrix and application can be accessed by clicking the links below.
• Education Fund – provides scholarships to students in higher education, scholarships for the annual youth Swedish language camp, Sjölunden, and biennial grants for Elderhostel studies. 
• The District and its 3 lodges will introduce you to other Scandinavian cultural opportunities in addition to local activities.
• Networking opportunities.

Bo Carlsson

District Master

Pennsylvania District #9