Crossings 200

On July 4, 1825, the Restauration left the harbor of Stavanger, Norway, with 45 passengers and seven crew. After a long and difficult journey, the group arrived in New York on Oct. 9. Sometimes dubbed the “Norwegian Mayflower,” the Restauration has become a symbol of the first organized migration from Norway to North America.

The voyage of the Restauration was only the beginning of three great waves of mass migration from Norway to North America over the next century. Since 1825, about 900,000 Norwegians have migrated to North America, leaving lasting effects on both sides of the Atlantic. While most stayed, many returned to Norway, bringing their new ideas and earnings with them to improve their lives back home.

To learn more about this historic event and how it will be celebrated this year, go to the official Crossings 2025 web site at https://crossings.norwegianamerican.com/2025-history/.