About the

VASA ORDER OF AMERICA

If you are of Scandinavian descent, the Vasa Order of America gives you a unique opportunity to get in touch with your cultural heritage and ancestry.

Named after the 16^th century Swedish king Gustav Vasa, the Order was organized in 1896 to assist Swedish immigrants to USA. Over the decades, the Vasa Order grew to meet new needs of the Scandinavian community. It now welcomes as members all people of Scandinavian ancestry (Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish). Baltic Lodge in Riverside, California, is one of the nearly 300 Vasa Lodges in the US, Sweden and Canada. There are 21 Vasa Lodges in Southern California. The Lodges arrange social get-togethers with Scandinavian themes, usually once a month. Midsummer and other special occasions are celebrated with festivities in Vasa Park, Agoura, and at the International Cottages at the House of International Relations in Balboa Park, San Diego.

Vasa programs and activities include:

	Traditional Scandinavian holiday celebrations
	Folk dancing
	Help to trace your Scandinavian ancestors
	Cultural and social programs
	Scholarships and student loans
	Parties featuring Scandinavian foods
	Youth activities and children’s clubs
	Participation in international festivals

To find out more about the Vasa Order of America, click here to visit their site, where you can find an online membership application form, a complete listing of all Lodges to help you find the Lodge that is closest to you, scholarship information, and more.