A historic July 4th on Kvitsøy
Restauration´s last stop in Norway and celebration of Norwegian-American ties
Today, July 4th, 2025, was a day I will never forget—and neither will anyone else who was lucky enough to be on little Kvitsøy. Our island, usually quiet and windswept, was transformed into a vibrant stage for history, music, and heartfelt farewells as we welcomed the emigrant ship Restauration on it leaves Norway and sets sail for New York.
The festivities began as Restauration, a faithful replica of the original ship that carried 52 brave Norwegians to America in 1825, sailed into our harbor. The local choir, Hyttetu, greeted the crew and guests with song, and our mayor, Kjell André Nordbø, delivered a warm welcome that set the tone for the day.
Inside the island’s cultural venue, every seat was taken and the room buzzed with excitement. There were speeches, cultural performances, and a special moment when the mayor presented gifts to the Restauration crew. Later, he officially opened a brand new exhibition at the Hummermuseet (Lobster Museum), adding another layer to the day’s rich program.
Music bridging continents
The sense of connection between Norway and America was palpable, especially when the band Six Stripes—visiting from the American military—took the stage and played a series of songs that had everyone clapping along.
One of the highlights was the performance by artist Mari Hauge, who sang “Hjerta går sin egen vei” (“The Heart Goes Its Own Way”) from her new album released today. Her songs, inspired by her grandfather Alfred Hauge’s trilogy about Norwegian emigration, felt especially poignant as we stood on the threshold of another historic crossing. Listen to the album on Spotify:
In a truly unique moment, the entire audience joined together to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” I’m pretty sure it was the first time that’s ever happened on Kvitsøy on the 4th of July, and it was a powerful symbol of the enduring bonds between our two countries.
Stories on the walls
As part of the celebration, the exhibition “Et annerledes Stavaneger” / “A Different Stavanger” adorned the walls of the cultural venue. Meanwhile, the Lobster Museum’s new exhibit, “Finding a Way at Sea,” reminded us of the courage and determination that has always defined those who set out from our shores in search of something new.
Restauration: Hope, adventure and farewell
The Restauration’s journey is more than a reenactment—it’s a living tribute to the spirit of adventure and hope that drove so many Norwegians to cross the Atlantic two centuries ago. Today, Kvitsøy was their last Norwegian port, and as the ship prepares to sail for England and then New York, we felt the weight of history and the excitement of new beginnings.
A day to remember
July 4th, 2025, on Kvitsøy was a celebration of community, heritage, and the ties that bind us across oceans and generations. It was a day filled with music, stories, and pride—a reminder that even the smallest places can play a big part in the stories that shape us all.
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