Diana Birger Jarl No. 3 is local lodge of the Vasa Order of America, located in New Haven,CT. and established September 18, 1896. The Vasa Order was established as a Fraternal Society for the benefit of Swedish immigrants. Today we are dedicated to celebrating and sharing our Nordic heritage and culture.
We welcome men and women over 14 years of age of Nordic descent, (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish or Icelandic), and their spouses who would like to discover the traditions of their forefathers or share their Nordic heritage through membership.
VASA HISTORY
On September 18, 1896, the Vasa Order of America was founded in New Haven, CT. Its principles were to render spiritual, physical and financial aid to its distressed members.
This is the story of the order:
On September 29, 1895, George K. Rose called a meeting in his home in New Haven, CT, to discuss the formulation of an order of the various sick benefit societies of Nordic origin in the State of CT.
On November 2, 1895, the Vega Society in New Britain sent out invitations to several independent groups asking them to send representatives to a committee meeting to be held in New Britain on February 18, 1896. Six societies responded, they were from Hartford, New Haven, Middletown, Bridgeport, Danbury and New Britain. At this meeting it was decided that the societies band together and that they would all use the same passwords, handbook and ceremonies. A committee of three was formed, which met several times and at its final meeting on September 18, 1896 the Vasa Order was duly organized and District #1 was formed.
Following the founding of CT District #1, the enthusiastic delegates returned to their respective societies. The plans for this organzation were accepted by three groups Diana Birger Jarl of New Haven, Norden Lodge of Hartford and Kronan Lodge of Danbury.
On November 22, 1896 the first lodge of the Vasa Order was formed. This was Birger Jarl #3 in New Haven, CT, which had a charter membership of 80. By the end of the year Gustave Vasa in Wallingford with 22 charter members and Tegner Lodge, New Britain with 77 members had joined the order.
On March 30, 1897, a meeting was held and a Grand Lodge was formed and at this time it was decided to incorporate.
Shortly after the first World War the Children’s’ Clubs were organized and a cultural phase was added to the program, which aimed to instruct the members about their rich Scandinavian heritage.
The Vasa Order of America is a group with ethnic traditions that we are proud of. Our goal is to perpetuate the best of our Nordic cultural heritage.
Diana Birger Jarl No. 3 is local lodge of the Vasa Order of America, located in New Haven,CT. and established September 18, 1896. The Vasa Order was established as a Fraternal Society for the benefit of Swedish immigrants. Today we are dedicated to celebrating and sharing our Nordic heritage and culture.