American Scandinavian Society

The American Scandinavian Society of New York is a Pan-Scandinavian membership organization devoted to bringing educational, artistic and musical events with a Nordic character to the Greater New York Area. We produce a variety of programs during the year, ranging from small concerts and theatre events to our formal Christmas Ball in December. Past activities have included studio tours focused on the work of Scandinavian artists working in New York, lectures at Scandinavia House, speeches at the UN or IPI (the International Peace Institute), jazz concerts at downtown clubs and concerts at Carnegie Hall featuring Scandinavian soloists. We start the year with our Winter Concert at the Norwegian Church and Cultural Center and in May, we take a World Yacht luncheon cruise on the Hudson. The highlights of the season are the spectacular Christmas Ball taking place at the Metropolitan Club the last Friday in November, and our Spring Party and Annual Meeting when we present our Cultural Grant Awards. It is a privilege to be able to grant financial support and recognition to emerging, gifted artists with connections to the Nordic countries in New York. For the past 100+ years, The American Scandinavian Society has been a home away from home for people from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, where we celebrate and share our cultural heritage, and distinguished aspects of our history and current trends. The significant difference between our Society and other pan Scandinavian organizations is that the American Scandinavian Society of New York exists solely for and through its members and for the cultural and educational events it provides. It is important to note that our Society continues, in its 116th year, to grow in membership and influence within the pan Scandinavian community in the tri-state area. It clearly demonstrates to our membership, the diplomatic community and the governments of each of the five countries, the special place and significance of the Society’s work.