200th Anniversary of Norwegian Emigration

BRANDED CONTENT - 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. Learn more about Vesterheim's special programming! 200 years of Norwegians in America Exhibit Open through January 2026 Even small objects can tell larger stories. To commemorate this bicentennial anniversary, Vesterheim presents a special exhibition focusing on Norwegian immigration, by featuring important objects, photographs, themes, and stories from 200 years of Norwegians in America. Introducing a New Podcast Fredrik Kalstveit has partnered with Vesterheim to produce the podcast 200 Norwegians featuring 200 stories of Norwegians who have shaped American history over the last two centuries. The podcast can be streamed on most popular streaming apps and all episodes are available on Vesterheim's blog. The Slooper Story In three videos, Dale Goodman, who is a Vesterheim volunteer, previous trustee, and Slooper descendant, tells the Slooper story from its beginning in the Napoleonic Wars, through the voyage itself, and finally to the first Norwegian settlement in the United States in Kendall, New York. Goodman will present the Slooper story live on June 14 during Vesterheim's Free Second Saturday. Upcoming Folk Art School Classes Vesterheim Folk Art School offers online and in-person classes in rosemaling, woodworking, metalworking, jewelry, cooking, fiber arts, weaving, and heritage and language, plus youth and family programming. Check out some of the upcoming courses: Grilling in the Kitchen (Online) June 28 Bring the Nordic style of cooking outside to the grill. Rosemaling: A Cupboard, a Brush, and Hans Belle July 20-23 Paint a bostkast (comb cupboard) specially designed by woodworker Mike Lusk, using the Hans Belle cupboard in the museum for inspiration. Introduction to Knife Making: The Bruk Kniv July 28-30 Make a traditional tool for everyday use. Great for beginners. View the full folk art course schedule and register now. Join Vesterheim 2025 is a great year to join the Vesterheim community and support its mission to create experiences inspired by Norwegian-American stories and folk art. Become a member today! Crossings Bicentennial 1825-2025 Vesterheim joins Crossings, a group of Norwegian-American organizations, to commemorate this anniversary with programming inspired by the strong connections between the people of Norway and the United States. Branded Content produced by Vesterheim.