200 years of Norwegian-American history

Between 1825 and 1925, more than 800,000 Norwegians emigrated to the United States. Today, over 4.5 million people in the US have Norwegian heritage, and the migration has created strong and lasting ties between the two countries. These bonds are evident today in both business and research, and Norwegian cultural heritage remains vibrant in the Midwest.

Norwegians who emigrated to the United States sought freedom, work, and a better life, with many settling in the Midwest, particularly in the states of Iowa and Minnesota.

Decorah became a focal point for Norwegian immigrants. Many of the town’s residents attended the celebrations of Norwegian-American history dressed in traditional Norwegian costumes (bunad). Photo: Ola Vatn, The Royal Court

A gathering point for Norwegian immigrants

The Crown Prince’s commemoration of the emigration anniversary began with a visit to the town of Decorah in Iowa. In the 1850s, Decorah developed into a gathering point for Norwegian immigrants, and today, both the Vesterheim Museum and Luther College stand as testimonies to the many Norwegians who settled in the area.

Crown Prince Haakon visits the street festival and the Norwegian-American museum Vesterheim in Decorah, accompanied by Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt. Photo: Ola Vatn, The Royal Court

The Crown Prince was greeted by the town’s residents, many of whom wore bunads and carried Norwegian flags, before visiting the Vesterheim Museum. Established in 1877, the museum tells the story of Norwegian immigrants in the United States. It now houses the largest collection in the US dedicated to a single immigrant group. After the museum tour, a street festival took place, featuring folk music and dance, folk artists showcasing woodwork, jewellery, rosemaling (traditional Norwegian decorative painting), and handicrafts.

In his speech during the street festival, the Crown Prince emphasised the value of the Norwegian-American friendship, stating that Norwegian traditions and culture are not just dusty memories in the Midwest, but a unique heritage that continues to bind people together in a shared identity.

Honorary doctorate

In Decorah, there is also Luther College, a higher education institution founded in 1861 by Norwegian immigrants. It was the first higher education institution in the United States established by Norwegians. The college offers courses in Norwegian language, history, and culture through its Nordic Studies programme. During his visit, the Crown Prince was greeted by students and engaged in discussions with some of them about their studies and experiences of student life.

Crown Prince Haakon visits Luther College, which was founded by Norwegian immigrants in 1861. Photo: Ola Vatn, The Royal Court

During a formal ceremony, the Crown Prince was awarded an honorary doctorate by Luther College, and in his acceptance speech, he appealed to the students’ responsibility to contribute to the free development of ideas.

"Universities have an absolutely critical role to play as sites for free exchange of ideas. Independent teaching and research is at the heart of a free society," The Crown Prince said to an audience of students, researchers, and alumni.

Read the full speech by The Crown Prince

Luther College has strong ties to Norway and focuses on Norwegian language, history, and culture through its Nordic Studies programme. Around 125 students take a class in Norwegian each semester. Photo: Ola Vatn, The Royal Court