The arrival of the Restauration in New York Harbor on October 9, 1825, marks the beginning of Norwegian American history. Our Lodge is excited to join the broader Sons of Norway community—alongside the Norwegian Embassy, The Norwegian American newspaper, the Norwegian American Historical Association, and other organizations—in celebrating the bicentennial of this historic event.
Restauration played a central role in what is widely considered the first organized emigration from Norway to America. On July 4, 1825, the sloop departed from Stavanger with 52 passengers on board—many of them Norwegian Quakers. It is likely that several of these emigrants were also part of the Haugean movement, a Lutheran revival inspired by Hans Nielsen Hauge.
Led by Cleng Peerson, the group arrived in New York City on October 9, 1825, after a three-month journey across the Atlantic. Their voyage was later chronicled in Amerika-boka (The America Book, 1838) by Ole Rynning.
Due to its small size, the Restauration exceeded the legal passenger limit under American maritime laws. This led to a steep fine, the confiscation of the ship, and the arrest of its captain, L. O. Helland. However, President John Quincy Adams intervened on November 15, issuing a pardon that released both the captain and the vessel, and canceled the fine.
The passengers, often referred to as the "Sloopers," eventually made their way to their first settlement in Kendall, Orleans County, New York.
The lodge have formed a special committee to celebrate this event. We will keep you informed as our plans develop.