Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon Celebrates 200 Years of Emigration

Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon is commemorating the 200th anniversary of organized emigration from Norway to the United States. His visit, which underscores the long-standing ties between the two nations, includes stops in key locations populated by Norwegian Americans, particularly in Minnesota.

The Upper Midwest, especially Minnesota, is home to one of the largest concentrations of Scandinavian Americans in the country. According to state demographers, over 800,000 residents in Minnesota claim Norwegian ancestry, the highest of any state in the U.S. North Dakota has a greater percentage of residents with Norwegian roots but fewer in total numbers. This visit, part of the Crossings 200 commemorations taking place across North America, emphasizes the historical significance of these connections.

On his first day, Crown Prince Haakon visited the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa, where he engaged with descendants of Norwegian immigrants. These individuals trace their lineage back to the *Restauration*, a ship that departed from Stavanger on July 4, 1825, carrying 52 Norwegians. One of the original passengers gave birth during the journey, bringing the total to 53 upon arrival in New York. Following this initial wave, more than 800,000 Norwegians migrated to the United States over the years.

The Crown Prince also toured Luther College, founded by Norwegian immigrants in 1861. There, he received an honorary degree, which he described as a symbol of the enduring friendship between Norway and the United States. “Thank you for keeping alive the stories that bind us together across oceans, across generations, across time,” he told students and faculty.

Haakon’s itinerary included a visit to Norway House, a cultural center in Minneapolis that fosters connections between Norway and the U.S. through arts and culture. During this visit, he was scheduled to cut a ribbon for the new Saga Center, an interactive exhibit designed for families to explore their Norwegian heritage. The exhibit will allow visitors to navigate 3D landscapes, learning about Norway’s outdoor life, known as *friluftsliv*, and urban living, termed *byliv*.

In addition, the Crown Prince was set to participate in a business forum focused on health care and defense before meeting with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the state Capitol in St. Paul. Another highlight of his trip included a visit to Mindekirken, the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis, which continues to hold services in Norwegian.

Crown Prince Haakon’s agenda also featured a meeting with notable Norwegian ice hockey player Mats Zuccarello, who plays for the Minnesota Wild. His visit to St. Olaf College in Northfield, another institution founded by Norwegian immigrants, was planned for Wednesday. The college has welcomed several royal visits throughout its history.

On Thursday, the actual anniversary of the *Restauration*’s arrival in New York, Crown Prince Haakon is expected to welcome a replica of the ship at Pier 16, near the South Street Seaport Museum. A Norwegian cultural celebration will accompany this event, marking a significant moment in the shared history of Norway and the United States.

The Crown Prince’s trip occurs during a time of scrutiny for the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit was unable to join him due to a lung ailment, and her son, Marius Borg Høiby, faced legal challenges this past August. Moreover, Crown Prince Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, has garnered attention following her marriage to an American self-described shaman, highlighting the evolving public perception of the royal family.

This visit serves not only as a celebration of shared history but also as a reminder of the continuing relevance of immigration issues in both Norway and the U.S.