Norwegian Emigration 200th Anniversary: How Latter-day Saints Honoured Their Pioneer Heritage

In 2025, Norway marks a major milestone—200 years since the first organized emigration to the United States. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this anniversary has deep spiritual and historical meaning. Many early Norwegian emigrants played a vital role in the Church’s growth during the 19th century.

Commemorating the 1825 Departure of the Restauration

The bicentennial celebration highlights the departure of the sloop Restauration from Stavanger on July 4, 1825. This voyage is recognized as the start of large-scale Norwegian emigration to America. A replica of the historic vessel is now retracing the original journey to New York, where it is expected to arrive in October 2025. Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway were present at the ceremonial departure in Stavanger, emphasizing the national importance of the event.

Early Norwegian Saints and Church Legacy Some of the Restauration passengers eventually settled in Fox River, Illinois. There, in 1842, they helped establish the Church’s first non-English-speaking congregation. This small Norwegian-speaking branch laid the foundation for future generations of faithful Saints with Norwegian ancestry. Many Latter-day Saints in North America today trace their roots back to these pioneers... Read complete content click link below

Church Involvement in the Bicentennial Events Family History Gathering – July 3 Church members in Stavanger partnered with FamilySearch to host a family history event at the local meetinghouse. Attendees included Norwegian members and descendants of early emigrants now living in the United States.

“Gathering with descendants of those early emigrants was really special,” said Vidar Top, chair of the Church’s 200th anniversary committee. “It reminded me why family history is so important. It’s about honouring those who came before us and keeping their legacy alive in our own lives.”