Leif Erikson Celebration

Join the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation in celebrating the first organized emigration from Norway to the United States.

On Oct. 9, 1825, a group of 52 Norwegian immigrants arrived in New York City harbor, having traveled from Stavanger, Norway, on the small sloop Restauration

Now, exactly 200 years later, a reproduction of the Restauration is due to arrive in New York, after departing Stavanger on July 4, 2025.

To commemorate the occasion, and in honor of the nationally recognized Leif Erikson Day, please join us for a multi-faceted program, including:

• A short video of the 175th anniversary celebration at Ellis Island, including Norway's King Harald and Queen Sonja, Ambassador Walter Mondale, Norwegian-American Academy Award winner Celeste Holm telling a touching story of how her parents met, music by Norwegian soprano Hanne Krogh, and more.
• The video will be followed by a presentation by Ernst (Fred) Tonsing, PhD, on a very special emigration/immigration exhibition assembled in Copenhagen, Denmark, and featured for years at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle.
• A musical performance by Torkil Hammer on the nyckelharpa.

A reception will follow.

This event is free and open to the public.

You can learn more about Leif Erikson Day on the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation website.