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FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Members and Friends of Drott Lodge,

Gott nytt år! Happy New Year!

I'm delighted to welcome you back for another year packed with engaging programs and fresh chances to strengthen our connections within the Swedish American community. We wrapped up 2025 with a memorable Jul and Lucia event in December. Drott is committed to presenting a wide range of events that showcase many aspects of Swedish culture. Special thanks go to cultural chair Marit Knollmueller for filling the 2026 spring calendar.

Mark your calendars: our annual elections and the cultural program “Ancestor Profiles” are set for Sunday, January 11th. Don’t miss an upcoming lecture "Sami in Pop Culture" on February 15th.

Both events begin at 1:00 PM at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Bethesda. Convenient parking is provided and, as always, Swedish Fika will be available.

Members, families, and friends are warmly invited to attend our Pea Soup and Pancake Dinner on March 8th. Come and enjoy classic Swedish pea soup, Punsch, and pancakes for dessert. Please note that registration is required—we’ll update you when it opens.

This spring, Vasa District Lodge Pennsylvania No 9 will introduce an online series called “Wednesday Evening Get-Together.” 

The inaugural sessiona live interview with Vasa Grand Master John "Jack" Hanrighttakes place on Zoom on Wednesday, January 14th at 7 pm. I encourage our members to register and hear Jack's thoughts about our organization’s future; there also will be an opportunity to ask questions.

If you’re interested in the 2026 District 9 Youth and Adult Scholarships, all the details can be found on the scholarship page. Applications must be submitted by February 15, so make sure yours is ready in time. I was fortunate enough to receive this scholarship in 2020, which enabled me to 


travel to Sweden and explore national parks new to me—a truly remarkable adventure.

I encourage everyone to stay active and support our organization in 2026. You can get involved in various ways: serve on the board, join committees, come to monthly meetings, or volunteer for special events. Each option is a great chance to connect with fellow members and celebrate our Swedish heritage.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.

In Truth and Unity,

Karin Weeden



District 9 Scholarships

Youth and Adult


The deadline for bi-annual District Scholarships is coming up in February. 


Youth members are invited to apply for scholarships to attend language camp at Concordia’s Swedish Language Village. New this year—the youth scholarship will also cover up to $500 in travel expenses.

Adult members are encouraged to apply for a scholarship based on an individually designed proposal.

For complete details, see the Scholarship page.




Upcoming Events

Learn Swedish

The spring semester begins January 24, and registration is already open for anyone interested in improving their Swedish language skills. Whether you're just starting out or hoping to build on what you already know, there’s a class for every level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

All courses are held via Zoom. Classes are taught by native Swedish instructors who bring authentic language, culture, and pronunciation into every lesson. Students learn with modern textbooks and a range of current practice tools, including audio and visual resources, to help reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and real-world communication.

To register or for more information visit the Swedish School website.

Member Spotlight:  Amy Swanson

What is your connection to Sweden?
My great-great-grandfather and his son came to the United States from Sweden in 1882. Like many Americans of Swedish descent, my family traces its roots to Småland. They first settled in Michigan, spent a generation in Chicago, and eventually made their way to Oregon, where they became fully assimilated into American life. I’m grateful to know my family history and its connection to Sweden. 

Tell us a little about yourself
I moved to Maryland in 2014 for work and have come to love living here. The area feels like a cultural feast—there is always something happening, and so many opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with others. I’m married, and between us we have four grown children. We recently became grandparents, which has been a wonderful new chapter in our lives.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, taking walks in the woods with my dog, and dancing. I’m a member of the Nordic Dancers of Washington, DC. Folk dancing is a living reflection of a country’s culture. If you want to appreciate Swedish culture, come try Swedish folk dancing.

How did you discover Drott Lodge, and what keeps you involved?
I discovered Drott Lodge after attending a Swedish genealogy conference. It was exciting to find a community where I could celebrate Swedish culture alongside people with similar interests and connections. What keeps me involved is the sense of belonging and the opportunity to continue learning about and honoring Swedish traditions together.



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Meeting Location:

St Luke's Episcopal Church

6030 Grosvenor Lane

Bethesda, MD 20814


Please do not call the Church!

Email Drott Lodge at Drott.lodge.168@gmail.com 


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