Scandinavian American Heritage Society, New Jersey

The Scandinavian American Heritage Society, SAHS, is a non-profit organization founded in the late 1970s by Scandinavian Americans representing all five Nordic countries. Our goal is to promote the exchange of culture within the Scandinavian community through programs and education while sharing our cultural heritage with our fellow Americans.

The annual Midsummer Celebration is a grand opportunity for all Scandinavian Americans to celebrate their heritage together and to enjoy and share the Midsummer tradition. The Vasa Park in Budd Lake, New Jersey, a park-like setting similar to Midsummer sites in all Nordic countries, is now the place for the celebration. There, one can sample delicious Scandinavian food and browse the arts and crafts booths. A grand flag ceremony opens the day and outstanding talents from Scandinavia and America perform throughout the day. There is music for listening and dancing as well as ring dances around the majstång decorated by SWEA NJ. In the children's room our younger generation learns history and culture through various activities.

The annual After-Christmas Party, julgransplundring, has become a tradition for members and friends in the New Jersey communities, with home-cooked food, fellowship, music and the traditional ring dances around the tree as well as old Christmas stories told by young and old.

We welcome everyone to join us and become a part of something unique, inspiring, and everlasting. Membership dues help us explore new talents for the Midsummer Celebration, develop programs that further promote our heritage, and help build our college scholarship fund.

SAHS meets every fourth Wednesday of each month at NorBu Lodge, 171 Greenpond Road in Rockaway, New Jersey. For more information please visit www.sahsnj.org

Submitted by Gunhild Ljung

February 2010