Paul W. Ljunggren will give a talk on the history of the Vasa Order of America in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Library in Washington, Connecticut. The Vasa Order of America, originally a fraternal organization for Swedish immigrants, was founded in Connecticut in 1896 and now has lodges across North America. The Vasa now has six local lodges in Connecticut, located in New Haven, Hartford, New Britain, Manchester, Stamford and Danbury, and a park in Meriden which serves as the focal point for their cultural events. The former Vasa Order Local Lodge Ankaret (Anchor) #380, of New Milford, CT, at one point totaled 133 members, some of whom were Swedes from Washington, CT. Today the Vasa Order welcomes men and women of Scandinavian roots and their spouses, who would like to rediscover the traditions of their forefathers and promote Swedish heritage and culture. Paul will also discuss the contributions of Swedish Americans from the northeastern USA, the patronymic family naming system in Sweden, and the Swedish Army naming system which has resulted in names such as Ljunggren.

Paul W. Ljunggren is Past District Master of the Vasa Order of America District Lodge Connecticut #1 having served as District Master from 2005 to 2011. Paul grew up in a Swedish American household in the New Haven area. His father’s parents were from the provinces of Smaland and Skane. His father was born in Vaxsjo Smaland. His mother’s parents were from the city of Varberg in the province of Halland. The Swedish language and traditions, as well as the Vasa Order of America and Vasa Park in Meriden, CT were present in his life at a young age. It was upon returning to Connecticut after military assignments and work that took him around the USA for over 20 years that he returned to his Swedish American Heritage and Vasa. After return to Connecticut he joined Local Lodge Diana Birger Jarl #3 eventually becoming the lodge chairman. He presently serves as Chairman of Local Lodge Diana Birger Jarl #3.