Norwegian Royal Family Commemorates Emigration Bicentennial in Stavanger

On July 4, 2025, King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Prince Sverre Magnus took part in a ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of Norwegian emigration to America from Stavanger. The Emigration Bicentennial marks two centuries since the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States, which began in 1825.

On July 4, 1825, the sailing ship departed from Stavanger with 52 passengers on board. They later became known as the first Norwegian immigrants to the USA, and their arrival in New York is widely regarded as the beginning of Norwegian emigration to North America.

In preparation for the 2025 bicentennial of the ship's voyage, a replica of the Restauration was built at Jørn Flesjå's small wooden shipyard at Finnøy in Ryfylke, Norway. The replica was launched in 2010 and is currently used for educational purposes and charter excursions in Rogaland. It is scheduled to depart from Stavanger on July 4, 2025, and is expected to arrive in New York Harbor on October 9, 2025.

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