The Sons of Norway Stavanger Lodge 1-538 will hold their next meeting 6 p.m. at Thursday, May 15 with a potluck supper followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m. at the Cottonwood Co. Historical Society, 812 4th Ave in Windom.

The evening program will be focused on the first organized group migration from Norway in 1825. The May meeting also celebrates Sytende Mai (17 May) commentating Norwegian Independence. 2025 marks the 200th Anniversary of the First organized emigration of Norwegians to the United States. The single mast sloop, Restauration, left Stavanger on July 4, 1825, with 52 people on board.

Often referred to as the “Sloopers,” they arrived in New York City harbor on October 9, 1825. Since that first voyage, about 900,000 people have followed, leaving their homes in search of opportunities and a better life.

Former members of Stavanger Lodge and interested people of the community to share in this program free of charge. Guests are welcome at any Lodge meeting. The mission of the Sons of Norway is to promote, preserve and cherish a lasting appreciation for the heritage and culture of Norway and other Nordic cultures while growing soundly as a fraternal benefit society and offering maximum benefits to its members. The local Stavanger Lodge was chartered in 1974 and currently has approximately 55 members. For more information about Sons of Norway or the May meeting, please contact co-presidents Harvey Pedersen (507) 445-3188 or Bonnie Frederickson (507) 370-2850.