The Restauration and the Restauration Replica: 1825 & 2025

Without local news, all we have are rumors. Keep facts alive — give now. DECORAH — The Sons of Norway Valdres Lodge will meet Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Ave. A brief lodge meeting will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. by Rolf Svanøe titled "The Restauration and the Restauration Replica: 1825 & 2025." Svanøe, Tours to Norway coordinator for Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, will share photos and videos from two Vesterheim tours marking the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian immigration to North America. In 1825, 52 Norwegians set sail from Stavanger, Norway, aboard the Restauration, arriving in New York City that October and beginning a century-long wave of immigration that brought more than 800,000 Norwegians to the United States. To commemorate the anniversary, a replica of the Restauration recreated that historic voyage, departing Stavanger on July 4 and arriving in New York Harbor on Oct. 9. Svanøe's presentation will highlight both the ship's journey and the Vesterheim tours that followed it—one in Norway, exploring the roots of emigration, and one in New York, focusing on the immigrant experience in America. Svanøe will also discuss his own Norwegian heritage and ties to the island of Svanøy in western Norway, from which his family name originates. The public is invited to attend, and refreshments will follow the presentation. Membership in Sons of Norway or Norwegian ancestry is not required to participate. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.