Our History in Oslo

The first American Women's Club (AWC) meeting 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.  Members now number nearly 200 and 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.