100 years of emigrant ships from Norway: You know the year of emigration from Norway, but not what ship - browse the Index of Norwegian departures 1825 - 1925:
Find information about what transatlantic steamship companies the different Norwegian emigration agents represented, and in what way the agent was authorized to convey the emigrants. This will often let you know details about the routes and ships they used, and narrows your search for the passenger list.
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Articles to start you off with your genealogy research. Tips on working with passenger lists, and doing genealogy research online. Links to other helpful articles and web sites
- Did you meet the brick wall while researching your Norwegian ancestors online? This article might give some new clues. Read about Norwegian naming practice
Property Marks in Rural Norway - Bumerker - A short article about "Bumerker", or "Property Marks". Most people will run across these property marks at some stage when doing Norwegian genealogy
Maritime inscription - registers of seamen
- An example on how to use the maritime inscription records.
Featured article of the day:
Maritime inscription - registers of seamen - An example on what you may find in the maritime inscription records, and some information about where to find them.
Norway Heritage Project - pre 1875 Passenger Lists >>
Search for emigrants:
Regrettably, we're unable to offer this service at the moment due to technical difficulties. However, you can still search for emigrants by manually browsing through the passenger lists, ship by ship: Emigrant Ships or by year: Ship index 1825 - 1925
200 Years Since the First Norwegian Emigration to America
In 2025, we mark the 200th anniversary of the first organized emigration from Norway to America – a milestone that profoundly shaped the histories of both nations. On July 4, 1825, the sloop Restauration departed from Stavanger with 52 passengers aboard. These pioneers embarked on a perilous journey across the Atlantic, driven by the hope of a better life. Their voyage marked the beginning of a wave of emigration that would forever link Norway and America.
In the 19th century, economic hardship, population growth, and limited farmland drove many Norwegians to seek new opportunities in America. The promise of free land through the Homestead Act and religious freedom attracted groups facing restrictions at home.
Early emigrants endured long, difficult voyages on cargo ships like the Restauration. Despite cramped and dangerous conditions, over 800,000 Norwegians emigrated between 1825 and 1925, making Norway one of Europe’s leading sources of emigrants per capita.
Settling primarily in the Midwest, Norwegian immigrants established communities that reflected their heritage, building churches, schools, and maintaining traditions that thrive in many areas today.
Two centuries later, the legacy of these emigrants continues to resonate. The Norwegian-American bond is reflected in shared cultural celebrations, family connections, and historical ties. Many Norwegians today are eager to explore their roots and understand the courage of those who left everything behind for a new life across the ocean.
NorwayHeritage has been a cornerstone in documenting and sharing the stories of Norwegian emigrants. Through detailed ship records, personal stories, and photographs, the site brings these historical journeys to life.
A selection of articles dedicated to help you in your genealogy search for your Norwegian ancestors. Transcripts and pictures of historic documents in connection with the ships and emigration. Also including articles about Pioneers & Norwegian Settlements Around the World.
Articles about selected ships ships and special events in their history. Descriptions of some of the great maritime disasters involving emigrant ships, like the wrecking of the steamer Atlantic of the White Star Line, sinking of the ocean liner Empress of Ireland and the Thingvalla line steamer Norge disaster. Check this section if you have an interest in shipwrecks.
This section contains articles describing the transatlantic voyage, the condition of the steerage accommodations and the experience of an ocean travel on an emigrant ship. You will find in-depth studies concerning the emigration process, statistics and facts, and information about the immigration processing centers line Castle Garden and Ellis Island.
Du you have an article you think will be suitable for publishing on this web site? We will read whatever you send us, although we can not guarantee that we will publish it on the site. Share your articles with thousands of other people sharing your interest. Note: you can not submit material who is under copyright by third party. Send us an e-mail: webmaster@norwayheritage.com
Information & advice for emigrants issued by the Allan Line in 1883. The line was then under contract with the Canadian Government for conveyance of Assisted Passengers.
November 21 :
1859 - The S/S Indian of the Allan Line was wrecked near Cape Race on way from Liverpool to Portland, 27 lives lost
1903 - The S/S Baltic (2) was launched by Harland & Wolff in Belfast for the White Star Line
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