The 2025 Senate Joint Resolution 102 commemorates the 200th anniversary of Norwegian immigration to the United States, marking a significant historical event that began with the departure of the sloop Restauration from Stavanger, Norway, on July 4, 1825. This vessel carried passengers seeking religious freedom, similar to the journey of the Mayflower, and arrived in New York Harbor on October 9, 1825, garnering considerable attention from the local press. Over the next century, more than 800,000 Norwegians emigrated to the U.S., with a substantial number settling in Wisconsin, where they contributed to the state's rich history and culture.
To celebrate this bicentennial, a replica of the Restauration retraced the original journey from Stavanger to New York, symbolizing the enduring cultural and historical connections between Norway and the United States. The resolution, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, recognizes the importance of this anniversary and honors the contributions of Norwegian Americans to Wisconsin's heritage.