Viking Age Club and Society of the Sons of Norway

The Viking Age Club and Society of the Sons of Norway, based in Minneapolis, MN, provides authentic historical education through dynamic demonstrations and interactive presentations. Since 1985, the organization has delivered engaging lectures and live demonstrations of Viking crafts, skills, and combat techniques to schools, festivals, and celebrations across the United States, Canada, and Norway. The club is recognized as a sought-after educational resource for communities and institutions seeking accurate, historically-informed Viking Age interpretation. The Viking Age Club specializes in multiple areas of Viking culture education: authentic Viking crafts demonstrations, live-steel combat presentations, and comprehensive lectures on daily life during the Viking Age. Their educational programming emphasizes scholarly accuracy, incorporating the latest archaeological discoveries and historical research to ensure public presentations reflect genuine Viking practices rather than popular misconceptions. The organization has earned significant recognition, including featured participation in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, and providing expert interpretation for the Smithsonian Institution's Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga exhibition during its St. Paul visit. Members of the Minneapolis-based club regularly appear at Scandinavian ethnic festivals throughout the Upper Midwest, presenting distinctive Viking encampments and hands-on demonstrations. The Viking Age Club welcomes diverse participants—from those with scholarly interests in Viking history to craftspeople and enthusiasts interested in historical combat techniques. Membership requires affiliation with a Sons of Norway lodge for insurance purposes, with a dedicated Minneapolis lodge available for those without existing membership. The organization provides guidance for building authentic Viking kits and offers resources including patterns, purchasing recommendations, and peer support for developing historically accurate Viking personas.