About Us

The Norwegian Society (established 1902) and the Norwegian Church Service of Washington DC (established 1947), two well-managed and historic organizations merged in 2019 to form one organization.

The combined vision for the new organization is to be the first choice for a cultural meeting place in the Washington, D.C. area. The mission of the organization is to create a place for people interested in Norway, to promote strong cultural ties across the Atlantic Ocean, and to offer Norwegian Church Services in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in close cooperation with the Church in New York.

The programs of the newly merged organization will be managed by two committees — one for church services and one for educational, cultural, and social activities — organized under a single Board of Directors with common support functions such as Secretary, Treasurer, Communication Director and Membership Director, all coordinated by the President and Vice President.

The Society offers a number of luncheons throughout the year where members and non-members can enjoy a lunch (for a fee) at a restaurant while listening to talks/lectures from speakers on topics related to Norway. Norsk Networking Happy Hours are also hosted throughout the year where you get a chance to network and converse with fellow Norwegians and people who have an interest in Norway and Norwegian Culture.

The monthly church service is offered at 3pm every second Sunday of the month (except in the months of July and August) and is hosted at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Bethesda, MD. The service, a collaboration between the Seamen’s Church in New York and the congregation in DC,  is offered in Norwegian (with translations into English in the printed program) as well as singing Norwegian hymns. Children’s Sunday School is also offered (in Norwegian) during parts of the service. After service, there is a coffee hour hosted in the social hall with coffee and cakes and an opportunity to shop some Norwegian foods and other goods.