Norwegians, being master mariners, arrived in New Amsterdam on ships in the early 1600s. In the 1820s and 30s, they began emigrating in groups and rapidly established a "Koloni" in Red Hook. They were ministered by a floating church, then a church on Pioneer Street that still stands. They became a major presence on boats working New York harbor, including PortSide's MARY A. WHALEN. World-renowned sailors, aid organizations, shelters, and the wretched Orkenen Sur shantytown are part of their Red Hook story.

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The History of Norwegians in Red Hook