Speaker: David Johnson

Currently, Historian of the Slooper Society of America

Board President of the Norsk Museum in La Salle Co., Illinois

Mr. Johnson has had a long and dedicated involvement with the Norsk Museum, serving as its board president for sixteen years. His deep connection to Norwegian heritage is evident, with three of his grandparents being 100% Norwegian. They settled in Norway, Illinois between 1847 and 1892. Dave’s interest in genealogy was sparked over fifty years ago when his grandmother traced their family lineage back to the 1840’s during a trip to Norway in 1967.

The presentation: 

The first group of Norwegian Immigrants to America departed Stavanger, Norway, July 4, 1825, on the Sloop “Restauration“. These fifty-two brave individuals entered New York Harbor on October 9th, 98 days later.

Cleng Peerson led this group first to upstate New York; then to to the area of Illinois near Norway, Illinois, where the first permanent Norwegian settlement was established.

Descendants of these Norwegians who came over on the sloop have formed the Norwegian Slooper Society of America.

Dave will speak about this long journey and the Sloopers early years in America. We hope you can join us!

Note: This presentation will take place in the Livsreise auditorium