Our History in Oslo

The first American Women's Club (AWC) meeting in Oslo was a luncheon given in September of 1934 by Mrs. Thomas Bevan, wife of the American General Consul, who invited 14 American friends to hear a talk by the president of the American Women's Association of Vienna. In February 1935, a constitution and bylaws were approved and monthly dues were adopted.

The group met in each others' homes until January 1936, when a permanent meeting location was found at Teatergata 7. A library of shared books was an important focus of the meetings, which were held regularly until the German occupation of Norway in April of 1940, when the Club ceased officially to exist. The few American women remaining in Oslo met informally in their homes, sharing their limited food and offering mutual support. The library was carried to the meetings in two battered suitcases.

After liberation in May 1946, membership began to increase. The Club was reorganized and in September 1947, the Oslo Handelsstand became its new headquarters. Also that year, the AWC Scholarship was established and fund-raising for a philanthropic purpose became an important aspect of club activity.

The AWC Scholarship

Who We Are Today

Today, the American Women's Club of Oslo is an opportunity to:

• meet other Americans in Oslo,
  
• explore Norwegian and American culture,
  
• engage in social and philanthropic activities,
  
• participate in educational programs,
  
• network and expand contacts within a large resource group, and
  
• share the Norwegian experience with American friends.
  

Our membership is comprised primarily of American women, but up to 25% of our membership can be women from other countries, as sponsored by American club members. As of 2024, we have 140 members total. The Club adapts to their needs by providing an arena for networking, professional development, individual support, family and leisure activities, as well as social and philanthropic involvement.

Members pay annual dues and participate in numerous activities throughout the year. These activities are philanthropic, social, or most often a combination thereof. As a nonprofit organization, the proceeds raised throughout the year go towards our American Women's Club of Oslo Scholarship, as well as other charitable organizations, such as the Oslo Crisis Center and FAWCO international target projects.

We are very proud of the work we do with our scholarship and in the Oslo community. If you would like to help us in our efforts, financial donations help us achieve more and are very much appreciated.  Donations can be made through the link at the top of our webpage.  Credit card donations are also accepted.