On October 9, 2025, a significant milestone will be celebrated marking 200 years since the first organized Norwegian immigration to the United States, which began on July 4, 1825.
That day, a group of 52 Norwegians, many of whom were Quakers in search of religious freedom, set sail from Stavanger, Norway, aboard a ship called Restauration.
Their arrival in New York City laid the groundwork for the immigration of approximately 800,000 Norwegians over the ensuing two centuries, shaping communities and influencing American culture.
In honor of this pivotal moment, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway joined hundreds of Norwegian Americans at Pier 16, located by the South Street Seaport Museum, to witness the arrival of a replica of the Restauration.
This replica completed a three-month voyage, retracing the original route taken by the first immigrants from Norway, before arriving in New York City, thereby connecting historical roots with the present day.
Crown Prince Haakon’s visit to New York City was part of a four-day trip celebrating the bicentennial of this historical emigration.
His journey included stops in Iowa, where he connected with the community, and Minnesota, where he met with Governor Tim Walz.
During the gathering, the prince reflected on the importance of the stories woven into the fabric of the Norwegian immigrant experience, highlighting themes of hope, disappointment, success, and resilience.
“But above all, they bear witness to the generations of Norwegians who were inspired to seek a new life of freedom and possibility,” he remarked, acknowledging the significant contributions that Norwegian Americans have made to the United States.
He emphasized the values that immigrants brought with them: hard work, humility, and a strong sense of community.
In addition to honoring the historical and cultural ties between Norway and the United States, Crown Prince Haakon’s trip aimed to enhance cooperation in fields like business, education, and culture.
Interviewed by Brooklyn Paper, the prince underscored the enduring importance of the relationship between the two nations.
“The United States remains an important ally, and the millions of Americans with Norwegian heritage provide a strong foundation for the relationship between our two countries.
There are many American companies doing commendable work in Norway, and vice versa,” he noted.
City Commissioner for International Affairs Aissata Camara was also present at the ceremony alongside key Norwegian dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.
Camara remarked that the arrival of the Restauration symbolized the integration of Norwegian immigrants into America’s narrative, reinforcing New York City’s role as a gateway for new beginnings.
“Every generation of immigrants—regardless of their origin—has contributed to building this city through their efforts and aspirations.
Our diversity is not a challenge; it is our greatest strength,” she stated, capturing the essence of the city’s melting pot identity.
Following the Norwegian cultural celebration in downtown Manhattan, which featured traditional food, literature, music, and historical exhibitions, Crown Prince Haakon made his way to Brooklyn.
There, he participated in a meet-and-greet with coaches and players of the historic Gjøa soccer club at the Red Hook soccer fields.
The NYPD Vikings Association, led by Inspector Jason Hagestad, welcomed the prince to Brooklyn, emphasizing the club’s legacy, founded by Norwegian immigrants in 1911, making it the oldest continuously operating soccer club in the U.S.
The young players of Gjøa were thrilled by the chance to interact with the prince.
Ten-year-old teammates Nils and Alex expressed their excitement after having a conversation with him.
Nils, who speaks Swedish, shared his joy about speaking with someone from a similar cultural background.
“He was really nice. He gave off some really nice vibes,” said Nils, clearly delighted by the encounter.
Alex echoed his sentiment, noting, “The prince was really cool, and it was really exciting to meet him.”
Parent Rachel, a soccer mom from the club, commended the prince for his generosity and warmth during the interaction.
“[The kids] asked if they were famous now because they met royalty, and he’s just so lovely and human and talkative with the kids—it’s been wonderful,” she shared.
Anne Kari, who has visited Norway many times and has toured its Royal Palace, expressed that meeting the prince was a remarkable experience for her.
“It was great, because I never met the king of Norway,” she said, adding a personal touch to the event.
Her mother, Diana, recounted how their family’s generational ties to Norway made this encounter significant.
“I think, even in the diaspora here in the U.S., we keep these ties, and we just love the royal family so much.
We’re proud of them,” she concluded, reflecting the enduring connection many Norwegian Americans feel toward their heritage.
image source from：brooklynpaper
