Drott Lodge #168 upcoming events

Wednesday Night Get Togethers (May 13, 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This month, we are pleased to welcome Erie historian Mark Steg, who will guide us through the fascinating history of Erie, Pennsylvania and its surprising connections beyond the region.

During the evening, he will explore:

The story and significance of the Battle of Lake Erie
How Erie’s history connects to broader global events
And the intriguing question: Who exactly was Daniel Dobbins?

This promises to be an engaging and educational evening—perfect for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Mark Steg is an Erie, PA-based historian, veteran, and retired counselor recognized for his expertise in local history. A member of the City of Erie’s Historic Preservation Task Force and former Hagen History Center board member, he actively contributes to preserving Erie's heritage. He is often featured in local historical discussions and virtual presentations.

Business meeting/Norway's Swedish History (May 17, 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, May 17th

Time: 1:00 - 4:30 PM

St Luke's Episcopal Church in North Bethesda

As May 17th has become the National Day recognizing Norway’s independence from Sweden achieved in 1905, we will take this day to learn about how and when Norway and Sweden were combined and what lead to the current redrawing of the map. Marit Knollmueller, current Vice Chairperson and outgoing Cultural Leader, will lead a presentation with maps, timelines and key figures that will trace the development of modern Scandinavian Nationalism. The interconnectedness of this region has been both friendly and fraught since the Viking Age but it is fitting we should celebrate the resilience of a nation that has been absorbed by its neighbors more than once while retaining a distinct sense of identity.

100th anniversary of the John Ericsson memorial (May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Celebration of 100 years anniversary of John Ericsson National Monument

May 29

You may not know it, but there is a monument behind the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. called John Ericsson National Monument. It is a big monument, but unfortunately a little hidden and is encircled by the roads along Potomac River.

But John Ericsson (1803 – 1889) came from Sweden and was very important for the US and for the maritime world. He was an engineer and developed the ironclad warship USS Monitor that was instrumental during the civil war for the Union side to win the war. He also developed the so important screw propeller for the marine world.

The monument was dedicated on May 29, 1926 by President Calvin Coolidge and the Swedish Crown Prince Gustav VI Adolf.

The Embassy of Sweden is planning a celebration of the 100 years anniversary on May 29, 2026. Drott Lodge and Vasa are invited to participate. Actually, Drott Lodge back then was one of the organizations around 1915 that came up with the idea of the monument and started a fundraising for it.

When we receive more details from the Embassy about the celebrations, we will announce more for our members.

Midsummer Celebration in Carderock Park (May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Joint Midsommar 2026.pdf

June meeting (June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

July meeting (July 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Vasa District 9 camping trip (July 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Vasa District 09 is organizing a joint camping trip, open to anyone in the DC, Cleveland, and Erie lodges!

What: We are still in the planning stages, but we will likely have a few more "organized" group activities, and the rest of the time is free for you to use as you wish, whether alone, with your family, or with other members of the District according to your individual interests! Ohiopyle state park offers kayaking and canoeing, white water rafting, biking, hiking, access to SEVERAL gorgeous waterfalls, ATV riding, and much more! Here are some more things you can do!

Who: Anyone is welcome! Obviously members of The Drott Lodge, Nobel-Monitor Lodge, and Svea Lodges are all welcome, and you are welcome to bring friends, family, children.

How Much?: We will not be pre-booking any sites because everyone has their own preferences! Some may have tents, some may have campers, some may want to try to book a cabin or Yurt, and some may even choose to book a motel or something nearby and meet just for group activities! There is a range of prices for each of these options. I

Still have Questions? We haven't finalized everything yet, but campsites can fill up quickly once people see the snow melting and start planning trips for the warmer days and their summer vacations, so we wanted to let everyone have as much time as possible to save the date and book their sites!

To book a campsite in the state park, click here!

Since we are not using any sort of central booking, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING so we know how many to expect for our planned activities! If you book anywhere and plan to join us this weekend, please let me know what days you are able to attend and how many you will be bringing to my email at drott.lodge.168.newsletter@gmail.com! I will also add your email to a mailing list specifically about this weekend to coordinate our group activities and answer questions.

August meeting (August 09, 2026)

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

District convention (September 25, 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Pennsylvania No. 9 District Convention

September 25-27, 2026 - Erie, PA

Save the Date DL9 Convention 2026.cleaned.pdf