Sharing the story of the first organized group of Norwegian emigrants.
In October 1825, a 54-foot sloop called the Restauration sailed into New York Harbor. It arrived after a grueling 14-week journey from Stavanger, Norway. This small ship had set sail on July 4, 1825, jammed with 52 passengers.
Most Norwegians immigrated to America for economic opportunity, but these were religious dissenters. The Restauration’s arrival in New York was the first in a huge wave of Norwegian immigration. Within a century, more than 800,000 Norwegians followed these “Sloopers” to the United States. Of all European countries, only Ireland saw more of its population immigrate to America.
Whether you have Norwegian roots or an interest in Scandinavian traditions, we invite you to join Vesterheim’s special programs, exhibitions, and classes to share the history and traditions of Norwegian Americans.
