October 9-October 11
New York, USA
Norwegian author program at the 200th anniversary of Norwegian emigration to the USA
NORLA is collaborating with the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York on several literary events in connection with the arrival of the ship Restauration in New York on October 9. The vessel set sail from Stavanger on July 4 and is scheduled to arrive in New York on October 9 – retracing the exact journey of the first Norwegian emigrant ship that departed on the same dates in 1825. Upon arrival, a large public celebration is planned at the pier, with 2,000–3,000 guests expected from 10:00–14:00.
HRH Crown Prince Haakon, together with the voyage’s patron Liv Ullmann, will welcome the ship, and a variety of cultural events will take place at the harbor. NORLA will host a stand highlighting Norwegian literature. Mari Kanstad Johnsen will hold a children’s reading session on board the ship Wavertree, while moderator Anderson Tepper will lead a conversation with Lars Mytting, Edy Poppy, and Jon Fosse’s translator Damion Searls at the beautiful McNally Jackson Seaport bookstore, located at Pier 16.
Thor Gotaas will give a talk on Norwegian immigration and Ørkenen Sur during a ferry trip on the East River with HRH Crown Prince Haakon and invited guests.
On Saturday, October 11, there will be a workshop at the Society of Illustrators with Mari Kanstad Johnsen. She has illustrated the award-winning children’s book Bedtime for Bo (original title: Dyrene sover), written by Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold, which is being reprinted in a new edition for the occasion.
Later the same day, Mari Kanstad Johnsen will also present Bedtime for Bo at McNally Jackson Seaport.
From NORLA, Margit Walsø (Director) and Andrine Pollen (Literature Program Manager) will participate.
Read more about the Crossings 200 anniversary.