Crown Prince Haakon of Norway Visits Decorah to Honor 200 Years of Norwegian Immigration

We hike Pulpit Rock for the views — and for the stories waiting at the top. Support Decorah News today. DECORAH— H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway visited Decorah on Monday for a day of ceremonies at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, and Luther College, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian immigration to the United States. The visit marked a historic occasion for a city deeply rooted in Norwegian heritage. Events honored the 1825 voyage of the sloop Restauration, when 52 Norwegians set sail from Stavanger, Norway, seeking freedom and opportunity in America. At Vesterheim, the crown prince joined community members, local officials and museum leaders to commemorate what museum President and CEO Chris Johnson called "a journey not only across the Atlantic, but also a legacy of courage, resilience and cultural ties between our two countries that continue to shape our shared story." "Your Royal Highness, your presence here today is a powerful symbol of that enduring connection," Johnson said in his welcoming remarks. "Today is a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present and an inspiration for generations to come." During the ceremony, the museum presented the royal family with its highest honor, recognizing "the royal family's unwavering support and legacy of cultural stewardship to the museum." The museum also unveiled the Royal Family's Samlingshal, or "Gathering Hall," named in honor of the Norwegian royal family and located on the first floor of the museum in the Hanson Vesterheim Commons. The new space was described as "a vibrant hub of community, educational and cultural activity—a gathering place where stories are celebrated and the enduring legacy of the royal family will be part of Vesterheim's story for generations to come." In his remarks, Crown Prince Haakon reflected on the Restauration voyage and the resilience of the early immigrants. "Imagine their anticipation, uncertainty and hope," he said. "I would guess they had very mixed emotions as they set out on this life-changing journey, leaving behind everything they knew, facing an unknown future in a new country." The crown prince noted that those settlers "wove themselves into the fabric of this country while never forgetting where they came from." He also acknowledged that "Indigenous Americans had lived in this area for thousands of years by the time the European settlers arrived. Their presence and heritage remain a vital part of the story of this region." "What is celebrated here is more than heritage," he said. "It is a living partnership. The Norwegian American story is a reminder that our relationship is not built on political and economic ties alone, but on the belief that by working together, we can create a better future for all." Following the Vesterheim ceremony, Crown Prince Haakon attended a convocation at Luther College's Center for Faith and Life, where he received an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree in recognition of his "dedication to human rights, environmental responsibility and the bonds between our nations," presented by Luther College Provost Pam Bacon. "This is not just a privilege; it is a moment that I am proud of," the crown prince said. "To be granted an honorary doctorate from Luther College is deeply moving." In his address to the Luther College community, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway spoke about "the stories that bind us together, the story of Norway and the United States." He traced connections from the Viking explorer Leif Erikson to the Restauration immigrants, to the wartime ties between Norway and America during World War II, when "President Franklin D. Roosevelt invited my great-grandparents and their children to take a safe home in the United States." "My grandmother, Crown Princess Märtha, took refuge here with my father and his sisters," he said, recalling the family's stay outside Washington, D.C. "In those years, America was not just an ally. It was a lifeline." The crown prince also reflected on his own experience studying abroad. "After serving in the Navy, I wanted to learn more about the world," he said. "Like so many before me, I lived in America. This country has always believed in the power of knowledge, building some of the best learning environments in the world." "Luther College is part of that proud tradition," he said, praising the school's commitment to "community, sustainability and inclusiveness." Luther College President Brad Chamberlain highlighted the significance of the visit, calling it "a day to commemorate the beginning of organized migration from Norway to North America 200 years ago" and to celebrate "the historic and enduring connections between Norway and the United States." Chamberlain noted that the crown prince's presence "embodies service that has encouraged compassion, dialogue and action," aligning with Luther's mission "to inspire and equip students to courageously serve for the common good." As the convocation concluded, Crown Prince Haakon offered a message that linked history to hope for the future: "I would like to thank all of you for this very warm welcome here today. It is a privilege to be here with you to celebrate the friendship between the United States and Norway—a partnership shared by history, sustained by cooperation and bound by shared values that will guide us in the future." Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.