Upcoming Events
Saturday, April 27, 2 PM - dusk
Normans Farm, 1580 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD, 21797
Sign up at eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/874575808787?aff=oddtdtcreator
Valborgsmassoafton ~ Walpurgis
American Scandinavian Association, Drott Lodge, and SWEA are cohosting the Swedish traditional celebration of Valborgsmässoafton. This is an outdoor event with yard games, singing and a traditional Valborgsmässoafton bonfire. Bring your own chairs/blanket, picnic, hotdogs, smores, water and drinks. Some hotdogs, buns and condiments will be available for grilling.
The event is free for members, but we are asking for a $5 donation per person to support and celebrate Valborgsmässoafton. Donations can be made when signing up via Eventbrite or onsite. Non-members pay $10 per adult and $5 per child (0-15) to participate in the festivities. Please register via Eventbrite (left) so we can plan accordingly.
Past Events
Monday, March 18, 2024, 7 pm on Zoom
The Zoom link will be emailed to ASA members. Non-members are welcome to join and should contact [email protected] for more information.
From Ancestral Danish Songs to Modern Wellness
Eva Christensen, a first-generation American, holds a keen interest in health equity, wellness, music, and Danish culture. She began learning about her Danish great-great-grandfather when she decided to play his songs on the guitar. Mads Hansen (1834-1880) was a farmer who also penned lyrics that have been in every edition of The Folk High School Songbook (Højskolesangbogen) for over a century. This Danish bestseller lies at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant communal singing tradition and has been lauded by The New York Times as a treasure trove of what it means to be Danish. It includes songs like “Marken er mejet” and “Jeg ved, hvor der findes en have så skøn.” Eva will present Mads Hansen’s impact on, and expressions of, Danish culture over time, drawing connections to contemporary concepts of well-being. Her work is supported by grants from the American Scandinavian Association and the Danish American Heritage Society.
Monday, January 22, 2024, 7 pm
St. John’s Norwood Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD
Anne-Mari Paster, President of Finlandia Foundation National
Anne-Mari Paster, President of Finlandia Foundation National, will speak on FFN’s ongoing programs and projects – especially one that will forever touch the lives of all who are Finnish in America, Saving Finland in America. The closure of Finlandia University in March of 2023, has put the Finnish American Heritage Center in danger of also shutting down. The Center, which contains the largest collection of Finnish and Finnish-American cultural and historical artifacts in North America, operated under the auspices of Finlandia University. The collection tells an important story of American history, namely, the Finnish migration story.
Saturday, Dec. 9, 5:30-8:30 pm
St. James Episcopal Church
11815 Seven Locks Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
ASA Lucia and Julfest
Join ASA for Lucia and Julfest as you have come to love it, hosted by ASA and Drott Lodge. After the Lucia concert, we will serve Fika (refreshments) while listening to Scandinavian Christmas music. Santa will visit while we dance around the tree. There will be Scandinavian items to view, and crafts will be available for the children to make.
We will celebrate the festival of lights honoring St. Lucia, which is an important cultural event in Norway, Sweden and Swedish-speaking Finland. The candle-crowned Lucia wears a long white gown with a beautiful red sash as she leads a train of girls all in white singing Sankta Lucia as she begins a beloved Christmas concert.
Monday, November 20, 7 pm
St. John’s Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Norway, the Soviet Union, and the Specter of Bases on Svalbard
Olivia Wynne Houck is a doctoral candidate at MIT who studies the built environment, diplomacy, and geopolitics during the Cold War. She will explore the Soviet Union’s anxiety around Norway’s choice to join NATO and argues that the built environment is a useful focal point for exploring moments of geopolitical tensions.
Monday, October 16, 12:30-2:30 pm on Zoom
ASA members can access the meeting with the Zoom link in the October newsletter. Non-members are welcome to join and should contact [email protected] for more information.
Nordic Resources at the Library of Congress
Troy W. Smith, Nordic Area Reference Librarian at the Library of Congress, will introduce ASA members to the collections available for each Nordic country, explain available genealogical research resources, and explain how to use the Library of Congress.
Monday, September 18, at 7:00 pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Finnish Evening with Reflections on FinnFest 2023
What has brought thousands of Finnish-Americans, Finnish-Canadians, and visitors from Finland together annually for forty years?
ASA is fortunate to have Chris Kalke present her reflections on FinnFest and more. FinnFest is one of North America’s leading educational and cultural events celebrating Nordic lifeways. This year, FinnFest addressed Finland’s highly lauded educational approach, NATO accession and shared security concerns in the Baltic, environment and sustainability, immigration history, food traditions, religion, indigenous arts, cultural connections with Ojibwe people, and other topics. Entertainment has ranged from traditional music and dance to pop stars and symphony orchestras.
Sunday, June 25, 2023, 3pm to 6pm
Carderock Picnic Pavilion, MD
Swedish Midsommar Celebration
Hosted by Drott Lodge, ASA, SWEA DC, and Finlandia Foundation NCC
All are invited to our 58th annual Midsommar - come help decorate and raise the Maypole! Join us for children's Games, Live Music, and Ring Dances around the Maypole
Schedule:
3:00 Children's Games (prizes) and Maypole Decoration
3:45 Welcome
3:50 Maypole Procession
4:00 Dancing round the Maypole
4:45 Picnic Dinner
Please bring: Greens & flowers for the Maypole, your own picnic and drinks (beer must be in cups/consumed in pavilion), lawn chairs or picnic blankets (if not sitting in the pavilion), trash bags (this park has no trash cans and all trash must be carried home with you).
Monday, May 22, 7 PM
St. John's Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
ASA Annual Meeting and Henry Hanson Award
Each year in May, ASA conducts its annual business meeting with a report from the president, election of officers for the upcoming season, and presentation of the Henry Hanson Award, which recognizes a person who has provided outstanding service to ASA and the Nordic community. We are happy to announce that Marshall Cohen, former President of ASA, will receive the Henry Hanson Award for 2023. Come celebrate our awardee and enjoy a social hour with fellow members. Refreshments will be served.
Saturday April 29th at 2:00pm to 6:30pm
The event will take place at Normans Farm, 1580 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD, 21797
Walpurgis Night
Valborgsmässoafton
The American Scandinavian Association, Drott Lodge, and SWEA are cohosting the Swedish traditional celebration of Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton) at Normans Farm in Woodbine, MD. We say goodbye to winter and hello to spring and summer.
This is an outdoor event with games, singing, and a bonfire. Bring chairs/blanket, your own picnic, and drinks. There will be a grill available if you wish to grill a hotdog or two. The event is free for members of ASA, Drott Lodge and SWEA and it is $5/person for non-members.
Plenty of parking available. Wheelchair accessible. Everyone must sign a Waiver of Liability upon entry to the event.
Monday, March 20, 2023, 7:30 pm on Zoom
A Zoom link will be sent to ASA members by email. Non-members may request access by emailing [email protected]
WWII American Airmen in Sweden
Bob Dyer presents on a little-known historical occurrence in the annals of Swedish and American history: Sweden’s role in hosting thousands of U.S. airmen during World War II. When the aviators had to make forced landings of their aircraft after bombing runs in Germany, some American airmen ended-up interned in Sweden, where they recuperated from injuries; some spent many months in Sweden. Bob Dyer will cover Sweden’s internment programs for American airmen and Arne Dunhem will talk about his father, one of the young Swedes who helped to repair U.S. bomber planes that force landed in Sweden.
The topic for the March 20th speaker event was changed due to an unexpected illness. We hope to reschedule Mr. Lundh’s briefing on Sweden and NATO at a later date.
Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 6:30 pm
In-person at Mikko’s restaurant
1636 R St. NW, Washington, DC
Semla Demonstration at Mikko’s
We are celebrating Fastelavn/Fettisdagen early with a visit to Mikko’s. Chef Mikko himself will show us how to make the buns eaten in the Nordic countries during this festive holiday, which precedes Lent. After the baking demonstration, we will enjoy a bun with coffee/tea and share different bun recipes from the Nordic countries. We will also explain the festive (and slightly different) traditions associated with Fastelavn/ Fettisdagen/ Laskiainen/ Bolludagur in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Due to space constraints at the restaurant, we only have 15 tickets available. The cost per ticket is $10, which includes a demonstration of how to make the buns, one bun, and unlimited coffee/tea. Tickets are released to our members first; any remaining tickets will be released on Eventbrite to non-members closer to the event for $15/person.
Saturday, January 28, 2023, 2–4 pm
Washington Dulles International Airport, 1 Saarinen Circle. Dulles, VA. We meet at the exit of the new Dulles Metro station. Parking is available at the airport for $6/hour or ride the new Silver Line Metro for $2 each way.
Finnish Architect Eero Saarinen and Dulles Airport: “A Terminal for The Passenger”
Dr. Ray Clark will lead us on a walk and talk at Dulles Airport, a local architectural marvel designed by Finn Eero Saarinen. As we witness the curves and light of this remarkable structure, we will learn the history of the development of the airport and how Saarinen envisioned a focus on the passengers, not just the aircraft. Following the walk, we will have the option (self-pay) to enjoy some food, drink, and conversation at the District Chophouse restaurant inside the terminal. Please email [email protected] to sign up for this program as spots are limited (ASA members will be prioritized).
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 4:30pm-7:00pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
This event is SOLD OUT and tickets will NOT be available at the event.
Scandinavian Lucia Celebration
Hosted by the American Scandinavian Association and Drott Lodge No. 168 Vasa Order of America.
Let’s Celebrate Lucia with a concert in church. After the concert we will serve Lucia Fika (refreshments) while listening to Scandinavian Christmas music. Santa will visit while we dance around the tree to live music. There will be Scandinavian items to view, and crafts will be available for the children to make.
We will celebrate the festival of lights honoring St. Lucia which is an important cultural event in Norway, Sweden and Swedish speaking Finland. The candle crowned Lucia wears a long white gown with a beautiful red sash as she leads a train of girls all in white singing Sankta Lucia as she begins a beloved Christmas concert.
Monday, November 28, 2022 at 7:00pm
7:00 pm: Refreshments/socializing
7:30 pm: Talk begins
St. John's Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Gods and Myths of the Viking World
Join us for an evening with Dr. Lilla Kopár, Associate Professor of Medieval English Literature and Director of the Center for Medieval and Byzantine Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. The fascinating stories of the Norse gods have long captured the imagination of people from the medieval period to modern days. Odin, Thor, Loki, and their companions inspired the world of Tolkien, the operas of Wagner, movies of the Marvel universe, and more. But what do we actually know about these deities, their cults, and the myths and legends that brought them to life? This richly illustrated talk will provide an overview of Norse mythology and the religious practices of the Viking world, with the help of literary sources (eddic and skaldic poetry, sagas) and the material evidence of art and archeology. We will discuss the history of the world from its creation from the body of Ymir to the dramatic events of Ragnarök, meet the key deities of the Norse universe, (from Odin, Thor, and Loki to Heimdall, Freyr, and Freya) and their fierce adversaries, and explore aspects of lived religion through rituals and religious objects.
Monday, October 10 at 7:30pm on Zoom
Please note, this event has been changed from an in-person to an online event. To obtain a link to the Zoom meeting, please email [email protected]
An Evening with Swedish Author Maria Bouroncle
Maria Bouroncle is a Swedish author and an economist by profession. She spent over 25 years in the field of international development before publishing her first novel in 2018. It Came to Me on a Whim has been translated into several languages and is currently used in the Scandinavian Crime Literature course at UCLA. Maria’s book tells the story of her great-aunt who killed her three children at the age of twenty-seven in 1929. Through exhaustive research, Maria has strived to shed light on what led up to this tragedy, which had been a tightly guarded family secret for over seventy years. For more information: www.mariabouroncle.com/home
Monday, September 26 at 7:30pm (in-person)
St. John's Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
The Scandinavian Folk School Experience
Are you (or your children or grandchildren) interested in an educational experience in Scandinavia? Bruce Buxton, Executive Director of Scandinavian Seminar in Amherst, Massachusetts will share his knowledge about Scandinavian Folk Schools, a movement dedicated to democratic philosophy, empowerment, and enlightened growth. Come learn what folk school study abroad is about, how it fosters international exchange, and how folk school fellowship recipients are supported. To explore Scandinavian Seminar and folk schools in the Nordic countries before the talk, please visit: https://scandinavianseminar.org/who-we-are/
Sunday, June 19, 2022 at 3-6pm
Carderock Picnic Pavilion, Potomac, MD
Swedish Midsommar Celebration
Hosted by Drott Lodge, ASA, and SWEA
All are invited to our 57th Annual Midsommar – come help decorate and raise the Maypole! Join us for an informal "bring your own" picnic, music, and games.
Monday, May 16, 2022 at 7:30pm
St. John's Church, Bethesda, MD
ASAs Annual May Member Meeting & Henry Hanson Award
• Election of new Board members for 2022-2023
• Annual review of ASA’s accomplishments
• Presentation of the Henry Hanson Award
The Henry Hanson Award recognizes a person or persons who have provided outstanding service to ASA and the Nordic community. This year we recognize the long and faithful service of Margaret and the late Gerry Schueman.
April 10, 2022 at 3PM
National Memorial Park
7482 Lee Hwy
Falls Church, VA 22042
Walking Tour of the Fountain of Faith
Enjoy a guided tour with a discussion about the Fountain of Faith, with sculptures created by the Swedish artist and sculptor Carl Milles, the Sun Singer. The park has many other statues and monuments.
Sunday, March 27 at 1pm Eastern Time - Online
Polar Explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen's Expeditions to Greenland
Naja Mikkelsen, geologist and grand daughter of polar explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen, will present on his historic exploration and documentation of Greenland's nature and geography. Come learn about his expeditions, including the Alabama expedition, which was featured in his book "Farlig tomandsfærd" and the new Netflix film "Two Against the Ice."
ASA members will receive a Zoom link in their email. Nonmembers who would like to participate, please email us at [email protected]
Monday, February 28, 2022 at 12pm noon Eastern Time - Online
Kristina Jönsson, Associate Professor in Political Science, Lund Universitet, Sweden
Our February speaker will discuss the question, "What are the policies for reaching the goals of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development in Scandinavia?"
You can find more information about the speaker and the 2030 Agenda here: https://www.svet.lu.se/en/kristina-jonsson & https://sdgs.un.org/
ASA members will receive a Zoom link in their email. Nonmembers who would like to participate, please email us at [email protected]
Monday, January 17, 2022 at 8pm
Online
Online Film Discussion: The Food Club
In this Danish movie that came out in 2021, three 50-something Danish women, friends since grade school, kick off a new life chapter together while traveling to Italy for a cooking course. You can watch the movie for free at https://tubitv.com/movies/612499/the-food-club
Members are encouraged to watch the film ahead of the meeting on Jan. 17 and come prepared to discuss. This will be an interactive meeting for members rather than a presentation. ASA members will receive a Zoom link in their email. Nonmembers who would like to participate, please email us at [email protected]
Saturday, December 18 at 3pm
ASA Christmas Village
Come celebrate Christmas with ASA
Decorate the live tree, dance and sing, see the Spelmanslag perform, and watch the Lucia procession. Participants are automatically entered into a raffle for the live tree and raffle prizes from the Nordic Embassies. This event is for ASA members only.
Monday, November 8 at 7pm
Online
To register for this online event, please contact [email protected]
Helen Lundström Erwin Presents Sour Milk in Sheep’s Wool
ASA's speaker for November is Swedish author Helen Lundström Erwin, who will present her novel Sour Milk in Sheep’s Wool, set in Sweden at the turn of the 20th century. Two women, an unwed mother and a suffragette, living lives so different from each other, it's as if they were separated by time, not just circumstance. They don’t know it, but destiny is pulling them toward each other and their fates are interlinked. Helen Lundström Erwin, author of the acclaimed James’ Journey, has created a well-researched and riveting second historical novel. By introducing revolutionary women like Elise Ottesen-Jensen, the co-founder of International Planned Parenthood Federation, you’ll be transported back in time, joining our foremothers while they fight for reproductive justice and the right to vote. Helen was born and raised in Helsingborg, Sweden, and lives in New York City.
Monday, October 18 at 8pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Swedish Public Diplomacy in the United States: Key Priorities for the Swedish Embassy
ASA's speaker for October will be Lars-Erik Tindre, Head of Section for Public Diplomacy, Culture, and Communication at the Swedish Embassy, Washington, D.C. Mr. Tindre will address the topic "Swedish Public Diplomacy in the United States: Key Priorities for the Swedish Embassy." He will also reflect on areas where Sweden and the Swedes differ from other countries. Mr. Tindre joined the Swedish foreign service in 2001 and had been posted in Hungary (Deputy Chief of Mission) and Bosnia-Herzegonia. Prior to his posting in D.C., Mr. Tindre served as Marshal of the Court, Head of His Majesty the King of Sweden's Household, responsible for the King's official duties. His responsibilities also included planning official programs for their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.
Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 10am
FDR Memorial, Washington, DC
Roosevelt Memorial Walk - Walk in the Steps of History
Join ASA members for a self-guided walking tour of the Roosevelt Memorial. Walk around, look at the site, and then answer a Quiz. We meet at the entrance, get a head count, and walk around in a group, two by two, or by yourself as you choose. We meet up at the largest water feature to tally your questions.
Saturday, June 19, at 4pm
Carderock Park, Potomac, MD
Midsummer Picnic
This year, we will celebrate midsummer with an outdoor picnic in collaboration with Drott Lodge. Join us for an informal "bring your own" picnic with a mini May Pole, music, and games.
Since we did not know what reopening phase we would be in, we were not able to plan our regular Midsummer celebration. Instead, we will meet at the field below the Pavilion, closer to the parking lot. Bring your own picnic, bring your own chairs, and listen to traditional Swedish songs played by fiddler Paul Carlson.
If you feel comfortable meeting outside, please join us. If you have had your vaccine, you do not need to wear a mask.
Don't forget to bring bug spray, hand sanitizer, and sun screen.
We will monitor the weather and let you know in advance of any changes. Rain date is Sunday, June 20 at 4pm.
Sunday, May 16, at 4pm
Henry Hanson Award and Election of Officers
Each year in May, ASA conducts its annual business meeting with a report from the president, election of officers for the upcoming season, and presentation of the Henry Hanson Award, which recognizes a person who has provided outstanding service to ASA and the Nordic community. This year we celebrate Anne Eason's contributions to ASA.
Monday, April 19, 2021 at 12 pm
Study Abroad in Sweden during the Pandemic
A conversation with Anna Strohmeyer, Student in the Masters Program for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Uppsala University, Sweden
In the spring of 2020, former ASA newsletter editor Anna Strohmeyer set out to study in Sweden to obtain her Master’s degree. Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Anna shares her story of how she made her journey to Uppsala University in the midst of fear, uncertainties, and continued restrictions. She joins us by zoom from Sweden, where she expects to graduate in the spring of 2022.
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Monday, March 22, 2021 at 12 pm
"the earth, that is sufficient" artist residency in Northern Norway
Thanks in part to funding from the American Scandinavian Association, playwright & theatre maker Annalisa Dias traveled to Northern Norway in March 2018 with her collaborator, Indigenous artist DeLesslin George-Warren. Their travel was part of research for a performance project titled "the earth, that is sufficient," which was produced by The Welders (a DC playwrights collective) throughout 2019. Annalisa will join ASA to discuss the impact of the research trip in Arctic Norway with Sami artists. She'll share experiences from her travels and from the resulting performance, and be open for discussion with attendees.
Monday, February 15, 2021 at 12 pm
"The Making of a Man" - A Documentary about Stig Dagerman
Lo Dagerman, director/producer of the award-winning documentary "The Making of a Man," will present her father Stig Dagerman's work and creative process, and introduce her documentary about Stig’s work inspired by his trip to postwar France. In 1946, Expressen sends Stig Dagerman, a young Swedish journalist, to report from the ruins of Germany. The articles display path-breaking journalism, and the resulting book, German Autumn, has become a classic translated into some 15 languages. Stig is sent to France to repeat his tour-de-force, the new book to be titled French Spring. But to his horror Stig discovers that he is unable to comply. Instead, he will write something completely different …
Monday, January 18, 2021 at 1 pm
Public Diplomacy in the Age of Covid-19
Cecilia Skogstad, Public Affairs Officer, and Synne Henriques, Cultural Officer, both of the Embassy of Denmark in Washington, DC will discuss what it means to conduct public diplomacy in the age of covid-19.
Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 1 pm EST
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed to ASA members ahead of the meeting. You can also register by emailing us at [email protected]
ASA Christmas Celebration on Zoom
Join ASA as we celebrate the Nordic holiday season.
This meeting will bring together Nordic speakers, who will share a variety of Christmas traditions to show how food, drink, music, lights, elves, and the Christmas tree have kept people’s spirits high during the darkest time of the year. The meeting will also feature musical performances.
Monday, November 16, 1 pm EST
The American-Scandinavian Foundation Today
Sally Yerkovich, Director of Educational Exchange & Special Projects, American-Scandinavian Foundation
This year The American-Scandinavian Foundation celebrates the 20th anniversary of the opening of Scandinavia House. How has operating “the Nordic Center in America” changed what ASF does? What are its current funding priorities? And how has the pandemic had an impact upon its programs and exhibitions? These questions and more will be answered in a presentation by Sally Yerkovich from ASF.
Monday, October 19, 8:00 – 9:30 pm EST
U.S. Public Diplomacy: Building Bridges around the World
Jeff Anderson, Director, Public Diplomacy Division, Foreign Service Institute
Jeff Anderson, a career Foreign Service Officer and Director of Public Diplomacy training at the Department of State's Foreign Service Institute, will discuss how U.S. embassies work to advance U.S. policy goals and build mutual understanding with foreign publics. He will give examples of current programs and approaches and will talk about his experiences over his 20-year career, including as a public affairs officer at the U.S. embassy in Sweden.
Monday, September 21, 12:00 – 1:30 pm EST
Swedish Author Helena Thorfinn
gives a virtual talk about her debut novel
Before the River Takes Us
When the novel “Before the River Takes Us” was first published in Scandinavia in 2012, it created a surge of interest around the issues that are the backbone of international development. It quickly became a #1 best seller, and stayed on the best seller lists for more than a year. The book prompted debates about what international development can and cannot do, and became an entry point to conversations in schools, at universities and in the media.
The book was described as a “peek into an unknown world” – the world of international agencies and NGOs, and was said to create a deepened understanding of how complex international development is. There are no simple answers, which the readers of this book soon realize. The novel is set in Bangladesh, where the author lived and worked for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) for 3 years, but deals with challenges and imagery that we can recognize from all over the world – dire poverty, corruption and hierarchies.
Saturday, February 15, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Nordic Language Meetup Anniversary and Valentines Party
ASA is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Nordic Language Meetup group. Please join us for a potluck and program with songs, games, folk costume fashion show, presentations, and a chance meet new and old members and speak the Nordic language of your choice. We will also celebrate Valentines Day! This event is for everyone so if you don't speak a Nordic language, that's ok too!
Monday, November 18, 2019 at 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
The Future of the Workplace
Presented by Kara Deniz, Senior Communications Coordinator with the Teamsters Union in Washington, DC, and winner of an ASA grant
Kara Deniz traveled to Copenhagen to learn how Denmark is approaching topics like “Gig economy,” driverless cars, and the future of the workplace. She met with labor unions, business owners, and trade associations to find out, and will share her experiences and lessons learned.
Monday, October 7, 2019 at 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Exploring the North
Presented by Dr. Katya Uryupova, Explorer, Scientist, Guide, and Photographer.
Dr. Uryupova has traveled and researched extensively in the Arctic and Antarctic regions since 2000, focusing on marine protected areas, climate change, and environmental monitoring. Dr. Uryupova received her PhD in marine biology from Moscow State University, and her MA at the University of Salford, UK. Her affiliations include the Smithsonian Institution, The Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty in Argentina, and the Hurtigraten tour Company in the Arctic regions.
Monday, September 23, 2019 at 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Sharing Experiences from Scandinavian and Native American Basket Weaving
Presented by Kim Sølve Jacobsen, Researcher at Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), University of Oxford, and recipient of an ASA grant
Scandinavian birch root basketry has ancient roots, with the oldest fragments discovered in the grave of a Viking Queen who lived 1200 years ago. This art is held alive by just a handful of practitioners and has many similarities with the basketry of the native American cultures of California, who are famous for their exquisite baskets. With support from ASA, Kim Sølve Jacobsen organized a cultural exchange for these two traditions to meet and learn from each other. The Parker family, a well-known family of native American basket makers from Yosemite, traveled to Telemark in Norway to share their basketry, culture and beliefs with Norwegian basket makers.
Saturday, June 29, 2019
at 3:00 PM
Carderock Picnic Pavilion
9500 MacArthur Blvd
Bethesda, MD 20817
Annual Joint Midsommar Celebration and Potluck Dinner
Hosted by Drott Lodge with support from ASA, SWEA, and FFNCC
Bring garlands of greens, put a wreath of flowers on your head, and help decorate the Maypole. Children's Games at 3:00 PM. Help raise the Maypole and join in the ring dances and games and celebrate Midsommar, St. Hans, Sankte Hans with live music, and pot luck dinner!
For the picnic:
- Bring a generous dish according to your last name:
A-H Deserts, I-Z main dishes and salads. - Bring your own beverages.
- For your comfort, bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket.
Pictured above are 11 Past Presidents of ASA
Presidents L to R: Henry Hanson (1966-1968), Marilyn Benson (1992-1994), Mildred Hanson (1990-1992), Rosemarie Oster (1983-1986, 1996-97, 2009-15), Ann Munsey (2002-2003), Lars Johanson (1981-1983), Kristi Johnson (1975-77, 1999-2000), Anne Eason (1999-2000), Margaret Schueman (2003-2007), Erland Magnusson (2000-2002), William Feller (1968-1970).
Monday, May 20, 2019 at 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Henry Hanson Award and Panel on the History of the American Scandinavian Association
Presented by ASA Past Presidents Kristi Johnson, Rosemarie Oster, and Margaret Schueman
Rosemarie Oster, the longest serving president of ASA, will receive the Henry Hanson Distinguished Service Award, followed by a panel discussion featuring three of ASA’s former presidents: Kristi Johnson, Rosemarie Oster, and Margaret Schueman. The discussion will be a forum for reflection on ASA’s role in the Nordic community past, present, and future.
Refreshments will be served.
Monday, April 15, 2019 at 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Folk Tunes from Sweden and the US
Presented by Göran Olsson and Sam Morgan
Enjoy an evening with folk music featuring Göran Olsson on Fiddle and Sam Morgan on Guitar. The duo will play a variety of folk music from Sweden and the United States. Göran Olsson is a traditional fiddler from Jämtland, Sweden, known for his light and captivating playing style. Sam Morgan is a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, with over 50 years of musical experience, playing and composing music for the American folk music ensemble Hickory Wind and the country music ensemble the Sunshine Express.
Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2pm
The Danish Club of Washington, DC, Rockville, MD
Greenland: People and Culture in a Changing World
Presented by Rebecca Lynge, First Secretary to the Greenland Representation in Washington, DC
Since 1979, Greenland has been a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark with its own government and parliament in place. Today, Greenland has an important geographic and political position in global affairs and is in an important nation-building process, seeking to create economic growth and exploring possible pathways to full independence. Join the Danish Club of Washington, DC and the American Scandinavian Association for an afternoon with Rebecca Lynge from the Greenland Representation in Washington D.C. to learn more about Greenland, its people and culture.
Monday, February 11, 2019 at 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Baltic Neighbors: Estonia and Sweden and the Ties that Bind
Presented by Karl Altau, Managing Director, Joint Baltic American National Committee
With the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) since 1997, Karl Altau has helped conduct extensive advocacy on behalf of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian organizations in the United States, including during the period of NATO accession for the three Baltic countries. Karl Altau will share highlights of Estonian-Swedish relations.
Monday, January 21, 2019 at 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Finnish Sauna Culture is Blooming in Both Helsinki and in Washington D.C.
Presented by Helena Liikanen-Renger, Press Counselor, Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C.
Recently appointed Finnish Press Counselor Helena Liikanen-Renger talks about the Sauna, Diplomacy, and how Finns see Americans Today.
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Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 5:30pm
St. James Episcopal Church
11815 Seven Locks Road
Potomac, Maryland
Scandinavian Christmas Festival
With the Sights, Sounds, and Scents of a Scandinavian Christmas!
- St. Lucia Pageant at 5:30 p.m.
- Bazaar Sales
- Dancing Around the Christmas Tree
- A Visit by Santa
- The Nordic Dancers
- Live Music
- Grand Raffle Drawing
Refreshments include Coffee, Glögg, Cake & Cookies
Admission Fee:
Members: $7.00 per adult, $4.00 ages 2-12, Free under 2
Non-Members: $10.00 per adult, $6.00 ages 2-12, Free under 2
Join ASA for reduced admission fee >> ASA Membership
ASA Single or Family Membership: $25, Students: $15
We thank our raffle sponsors for their contributions:
- Dansko
- Phaidon
- David Mullaly
- Drott Lodge
- Embassy of Denmark
- Embassy of Finland
- Embassy of Iceland
- Royal Norwegian Embassy
- Embassy of Sweden
- ASA Board Members: Marshall & Arlene Cohen, Anne Eason, Marianne Gustafson, Pat Ikonen, Tina Keune and Gerry &Margaret Schueman.
Monday, November 19, 2018, 8 pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Symbolic Sources in Nordic Decorative Arts
Norway's decorative arts heritage employs symbols from the riches of ancient civilizations--Greek, Roman, and Viking. You will see the similarities among European and Scandinavian folk art, as well as small differences that make each ethnic style unique. By virtue of the artisan's touch and imagination, important symbols would be read by the viewer. Tina Keune, a long-time member of the ASA and Vesterheim Gold Medalist in Rosemaling, has pursued independent studies of Scandinavia's folk art history. She will illustrate and explain how the decorative elements of common shapes, colors, and numbers used in carvings, textiles, decorative painting, jewelry, and nature, traveled to the Scandinavian countries, reminding a rural population about lessons learned through their mandatory church attendance.
Saturday, October 13, 2018, 7-9 pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
From Saga to Opera: A Lecture
Presented by Composer and Librettist Jeffrey Leiser
Norse sagas and mythology have inspired some of the greatest works of all time, from Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. What can they offer us today, and why should we pay attention?
Noted composer and librettist Jeffrey Leiser presents a lecture on his new opera, Far Travelers, and its place in the continuum of works inspired by the northern lands. The work was supported by the American Scandinavian Association.
Far Travelers was adapted from two Icelandic sagas and was recently performed in part at the Guild Hall of East Hampton through an accelerated lab residency. Excerpts from the concert will be presented as part of the lecture, which will also include a Q&A with the audience.
Learn more at http://www.jeffreyrolandleiser.com/
Monday, September 17, 2018, 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Globalizing Nordic Art
Presented by Bart Pushaw, PhD Candidate in Art History at the University of Maryland
The era between 1880 and 1920 witnessed the rise of some of Scandinavia’s most iconic artists, including Edvard Munch, Carl Larsson, and Helene Schjerfbeck. Too often, however, we understand these artists by their “Nordic” or national qualities. Bart Pushaw, PhD Candidate in Art History at the University of Maryland, and recent Fellow of the American-Scandinavian Foundation, will speak on the importance of framing Nordic art globally to Scandinavian colonial history in the Caribbean and the North Atlantic, exploring the impact of race and place on modern art at home.
Sunday, June 24, 2018,
at 2:30 PM
Carderock Picnic Pavilion
9500 MacArthur Blvd
Bethesda, MD 20817
18th Annual Joint Midsommar Celebration
Hosted by Drott Lodge with support from ASA & SWEA
Bring garlands of greens at 2:30 PM, put a wreath of flowers on your head, and help decorate the Maypole. Children's Games at 3:00 PM. Help raise the Maypole at 3:50 PM. At 4:00 PM, join in the ring dances and games and celebrate Midsommar, St. Hans, Sankte Hans with live music, and pot luck dinner at 4:45 pm!
For the picnic:
- Bring a generous dish according to your last name:
A-G dessert, H-R main dish , S-Z salad - Soft drinks, tap beer, coffee, cups, paper plates, and plastic ware will be supplied.
- For your comfort bring your lawn chairs or a picnic blanket.
Monday, May 21, 8pm
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Svenska Sanggruppen
Svenska Sanggruppen (the Swedish Song Group) will be performing with the Washington Spelmanslag. The Swedish Song Group will sing a varied program of traditional songs new and old in concert with the musicians. The audience will be invited to participate. Be part of bringing in the summer with joyful singing and spirit!
Saturday, May 11, 2019,
10am-5pm
Harris Pavilion and Manassas Museum Lawn
9201 Center Street
Manassas, Virginia
Public Parking is available at three municipal parking lots near the Pavilion and on surrounding streets. Handicap parking is available at the municipal parking lots.
If you would like to help with the Festival or you have questions,
e-mail Erna Pomrenke at [email protected]
For more information visit the Manassas Viking Festival Facebook Page
Manassas Viking Festival
The Sons of Norway lodge and the Icelandic Association of Washington, DC are organizing the Second Annual outdoor Viking Festival.
The event features:
- A 40 foot Viking ship
- Viking reenactment groups demonstrating daily life during the Viking era
- Falcons from the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia
- Icelandic sheep from Three Bags Wool Farm
- A Fjord horse and hopefully Icelandic horses from Frida Icelandic Riding Club
- The Nordic Dancers of Washington D.C
- Sporið, 21 Icelandic folk dancers in national costumes
- Irish/Celtic dancers from the Phoenix Dance Academy
- Live Celtic music by the Crossjacks
- Rosemaling artist Tina Keune and fiber artist Karen Richardson
- Imported Swedish Foods and Gifts sold by Drott Lodge
- Danish æbleskiver sold by the Danish Club of Washington, DC
- Almost 50 vendors
- Food trucks for hot food
Monday, April 16, 2018 at 8:00 PM
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Nordic Food in DC
Presented by Mikko Kosonen, Executive Chef
Chef Mikko Kosonen will present a program about the philosophy behind his Nordic catering business and his food. A long-time resident of Washington, DC, Mikko was Executive Chef for the Finnish Ambassador for 15 years. Chef Mikko's passion for cooking began at a young age and continued to grow as he worked in his family’s restaurant in Stockholm. He mastered his craft during his time at the prestigious Helsinki Culinary School and later worked at La Belvedere—a Michelin-rated restaurant in Annecy, France. He specializes in Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Danish food. Every menu is custom made. Learn more at https://www.chefmikko.com/
Monday, March 19, 2018 at 8:00 PM
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Gender Equality and Iceland's 100 Years of Sovereignty
Presented by Mrs. Inga Jona Thordardottir, former Reykjavik City Council member and wife of Icelandic Ambassador Haarde
As Iceland celebrates its 100th anniversary of sovereignty, Mrs. Inga Jona Thordardottir, a former Reykjavik City Council member, explores why Iceland and other Nordic countries are at the top of the list of countries showing the world's best results in gender equality. The Icelandic women's movement and the struggle for gender equality has its roots in Iceland's history and culture and it is an important part of Iceland's path to independence. Mrs. Thordardottir has been an active participant in the Women's movement going back to the early seventies and she was Chairperson of Iceland's Women's Right Association from 1992 to 1995.
Monday, February 19, 2018 at 8:00 PM
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
The Global Refugee Crisis
Presented by Joel R. Charny, Norwegian Refugee Council
Forced displacement is one of the great challenges of our time. Some 65 million people around the world have been forced from their homes by conflict. Responding to their needs is the imperative of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world. At the ASA event on 19 February, Joel Charny, the Director of the Washington office of NRC (NRC USA), will describe the global situation for refugees and people displaced within their own countries; the challenges of responding to the situation with the rise of nativist political movements and attitudes; and the lifesaving work of NRC, with particular focus on the Middle East and Africa. He will also describe the role of NRC USA as a Scandinavian institution in Washington and the wider United States.
Monday, January 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Let Us Be Finns
presented by Robert Rinehart, former Director, US Foreign Service Institute, Scandinavian Division
On December 6, 2017, the people of Finland celebrated the 100th year since the founding of their country as an independent nation state. Continuing in that celebration, “Let Us Be Finns” tells the story of four writers and scholars – Johan Vilhelm Snellman, Elias Lonnrot, Johan Ludvig Runeberg, and Zachris Topelius – who, in the previous century, inspired by their work a consciousness of national identity among the Finnish people. Telling the story is Robert Rinehart who for twenty-five years was director of Northern European Area Studies Programs at the Foreign Service Institute.
Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 5:30 PM
St. James Episcopal Church
11815 Seven Locks Road
Potomac, Maryland
Scandinavian Christmas Festival
With the Sights, Sounds, and Scents of a Scandinavian Christmas!
- St. Lucia Pageant at 5:30 pm in the Sanctuary of the Church
- Bazaar Begins at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall
- Coffee, Glögg, Pepparkakor, Pulla, Kringles
- Dancing around the Christmas Tree
- A Visit by Santa & Gift Bags
- Nordic Dancers
- Grand Raffle Drawing
Monday, November 13, 2017 at 8:00 PM
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
The Vikings in English History
presented by author David Mullaly
David K. Mullaly is passionate about Viking culture, history, and archeology. He received both his bachelor's degree and master's degree in English from Penn State University and did doctoral work in English at Northwestern University. Mullaly spent thirty years teaching high-school English and also taught part time at Northwestern. He bought and sold period Viking artifacts for over a dozen years and understands how their culture was reflected in their crafts. He also worked with Norsemen Saga author James L. Nelson, and has published short essays about Viking artifacts on Academia.edu. Mullaly will give an overview of the Vikings and will talk about his novel, Eadric and the Wolves, and the importance of that period in English cultural history. The lecture ends with a show-and-tell of Viking artifacts, including jewelry and a complete early 10th century Viking sword.
Monday, October 16, 2017 at 8:00 PM
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
John Ericsson and the Engines of Exile
presented by author David Mel Paul
David Mel Paul was awarded the M.A. in Humanities by the University of Chicago and received a Swedish translator's certificate from Uppsala University in Sweden. He served for three years in the U.S. Navy, became a technical writer, and then an exhibit designer and producer in aerospace companies. He joined the United States Information Agency as a producer of cultural exchange exhibitions, organizing the U.S. exhibitions in the Soviet Union, and in every Soviet bloc capital in Eastern Europe. David Mel Paul is a translator of Swedish books; a variety of American publishers have issued his English versions of Swedish biography and fiction.
Monday, September 18, 2017 at 8:00 PM
St. John's Church
Wisconsin Ave & Bradley Blvd
Chevy Chase, MD
Finland 100 - A Remarkable Success Story
presented by Annina Aalto, Cultural Counselor, Embassy of Finland
Annina Aalto is the Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of Finland and has worked for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland since 2012. Prior to this she worked for the Finnish Institute of International Affairs and the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. Annina received a Master of Science degree from Lund University School of Economics and Management in Sweden and a Master of Arts degree from the College of Europe in Belgium.