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GREAT VIKING HALL RAISING — 2–15 NOVEMBER 2026

WORK, FELLOWSHIP, VIKING ACTIVITIES, VIKING DAY FOR VETERANS, WINTER NIGHTS, AND THE HALLOWING OF OUR GREAT VIKING HALL

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FROM WORKSHOP TO HALL RAISING — BUILDING SKILLS, BROTHERHOOD, AND A PERMANENT HOME

Over the past two years, Odin’s Warrior Tribe has been preparing not only to build our Great Viking Hall and Viking Boat Shelter, but also to use the project as an opportunity for veteran vocational training, practical skills development, and fellowship.

We have held two major timber-framing, joinery, and carpentry workshops at the fully equipped Connecticut facility of Leetes Island Boatworks and Handlavet—our European-trained craftsmen and the lead builders for the Great Viking Hall and Boat Shelter.

The first workshop was held on 14 June 2025, followed by a second on 10 January 2026. Approximately 20 active-duty and veteran military personnel attended each session.

Participants received hands-on instruction in traditional woodworking, timber framing, joinery, and construction skills, along with historical presentations on Viking Age halls, longhouses, and building traditions. Meals and refreshments were provided, and members of Odin’s Warrior Tribe served as hosts throughout the training days.

This follows the same approach we used during the construction of our Viking boat, when Leetes Island Boatworks conducted boatbuilding workshops for veterans in Connecticut. We have continued practicing these skills at our Viking Camp through the construction of footbridges, the carving of Viking tent poles, and other camp projects.

Now our focus turns to the raising of the Great Viking Hall.

From 2–15 November 2026, the completed timbers and structural components will be transported from Connecticut to our Viking Camp in Southern Maryland, where members of Odin’s Warrior Tribe, veterans, craftsmen, and approved volunteers will work together to raise the Great Viking Hall and Viking Boat Shelter.

The advance period from 2–6 November will focus primarily on the arrival of the construction team, site preparation, early assembly, and work by members of the Tribe and specifically approved participants.

Beginning on 7 November, participation will expand to include:

• Active-duty and veteran military personnel

• Law-enforcement officers

• Firefighters and other first responders

• Pending applicants and serious prospects

• Vetted supporters of Odin’s Warrior Tribe

• Others specifically invited or approved by Tribe leadership

The November gathering will continue the practical skills training begun in Connecticut. Participants will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced craftsmen during the actual raising of the Hall, gaining direct experience in timber framing, joinery, carpentry, assembly, and traditional building methods.

But this will be far more than a construction project.

The gathering will also include fellowship, shared meals, historical instruction, Viking activities, sailing aboard our Viking boat Sæ Ulfr, archery, axe throwing, games, stories, songs, ceremonies, and evenings gathered around the fire.

We are especially honored that our friends from Hurstwic, Dr. William Short and Reynir Oskarson, will join us on 14–15 November for the final weekend and the formal hallowing of the Great Viking Hall.

Their presence will bring deep knowledge of Viking history, trusted friendship, and a shared commitment to presenting the Viking world with seriousness, scholarship, and integrity.

Specific registration information, attendance requirements, requested donations, daily schedules, and sign-up links will be released soon.

Together, we have trained, practiced, carved, built, and prepared.

This November, we raise the Hall, strengthen our skills, honor our veterans, and give the Tribe a permanent home.

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