A large effort is underway, both in Norway and North America, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first organized direct emigration from Norway to America in 1825. Many groups are developing activities to raise awareness and understanding of Norwegian emigration and history to strengthen the bonds and networks of Norwegians abroad and in Norway.
On July 4, 1825, a group of 52 Norwegians set sail on the ship Restauration to make the first organized migration from Norway to North America.
Since that first voyage, nearly a million people have followed, leaving their homes in search of opportunities and a better life. While many returned to Norway, most remained and built new homes and lives for their families in the United States and Canada. Today, nearly 5 million people in North America claim Norwegian ancestry- almost as many as the population of Norway today.
A website dedicated to the bicentennial was launched on March 5, 2024 (crossings.norwegianamerican.com) in coordination with the Norwegian Emigrant Museum (utvandrermuseet.no/2025)] located near Hamar, Norway. The website provides information, resources and calendar of events for the bicentennial commemoration. Groups may register their events on the website, which serves as a hub for the bicentennial commemoration. Examples of activities include: plans for a replica ship to sail from Stavanger on 4 July 2025 to New York City, arriving 9 October (Leif Ericson day) and a conference June 18-22 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. The Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA), Det norsk-amerikanske hi:storielaget i Norge (NAHA-Norge), the Norwegian Teachers and Researchers Association of North America (NORTANA), and the Norwegian Department at St. Olaf College will co-host a conference commemorating 200 years of Norwegian migration to/from North America. The multi-day event will offer a variety of experiences that will appeal to scholars and researchers of Norwegian migration as well as the general public, including Norwegian-American music, dance, historic sites, and more. More information is forthcoming, including a call for papers, registration, lodging, pre- and post-conference excursions, and more.
Cooperation in the Valdres region
There was a presentation in February this year from the 2025 bicentennial committee to the board of the regional organization, Valdres Historical Society, and members of the local historical societies in each of the Valdres municipalities. The organizations are now in the process of planning a new organizational structure with Valdres Historical Society as an umbrella organization, and hopes that activities tied to the bicentennial of emigration in Valdres could unite the new organization in a common activity.
Crossings commemorates 200 years of organized Norwegian migration to North America. 2025 will be a year to celebrate the strong ties between Norway, the United States, and Canada. It’s an opportunity to remember what it means to take great risks and trade one home for another. And it’s a chance to better understand the movement of peoples that continues worldwide today.