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By Shaune Jonasson   Storytelling is as old as time itself. The progression of time has afforded us storytelling through various mediums. It is easy to lose track of time while reading a good story or listening to a talented storyteller. Summertime often gives us the opportunity to do just that: take out that book that you’ve been longing to read, or open that audiobook and plug in your earbuds. Curl up on a comfy chair in the shade and enjoy the adventure that awaits you. Th

This month’s Interesting Icelander profiles Bólu-Hjálmar, one of Iceland’s notable folk poets, whose sharp wit and satirical views were often received with mixed reviews. He was most noted for his mastery of rimur , a short poetic narrative. He was also an accomplished woodcarver. Life for Bólu-Hjálmar was far from easy and not without strife. Despite these challenges, he lived a colorful life for 80 years. It is my privilege and honor to write this post. Whatever he was to s

Two busloads of IR volunteers and members have just returned from Iceland as we traveled for twelve unforgettable days of heritage,...

Beth remembers the Icelandic Festivals she attended in August 2025

by Greg McNeill and Shaune Jonasson   It’s summer! That means sun and fun with fairs, parades and festivals. This year, the Viking spirit...

The Icelandic Roots volunteers have been very busy developing content and events for the Icelandic Roots membership. The volunteers are...

by Alfreda Duffy Landnámabók (The Book of Settlements) describes Geirmund as “the noblest of all settlers.” According to my Google search...

by Shaune Jonasson The most recent Roots Tips was an informative session with Dave Jónasson, IT specialist and the creator of a new...

by Shaune Jonasson Are you stumbling with working through the Icelandic Roots database? Having difficulty with searching for an ancestor?...

By Susan Huff As I studied my Icelandic family history, I noticed families where many of the children died in infancy. I made some...

This new book written by Anita Daher, Peanut Butter and Pandemonium, a second book following Peanut Butter and Chaos, we read about Sam's...

Yes. Of course, you care about your Icelandic heritage. That is why you are reading this! Ten years ago, on November 12, 2013, Icelandic...

by Willie Engelson As Willie is researching an 1887 travel journal that tells of his great grandparents and their journey to Washington...

Agnes Magnúsdóttir 27 October 1795 – 12 January 1830 October’s interesting Icelander is a gruesome tale of love, greed, jealousy, ghosts, murder, and executions; one that is befitting with Hallowe’en just around the corner! Agnes Magnúsdóttir, IR#I200595, had a short yet significant life. Her story isn’t grand. She didn’t live a long life. She had no significant accomplishments unlike some of the individuals we have profiled in our monthly Interesting Icelander series. Her no

IR Webinar hosted by INLNA and INLUS The Icelandic Roots Database is the subject of a joint Icelandic National League of North America...

By Rob Olason While it seemed to Sunna Furstenau that launching Icelandic Roots took a great effort and years to achieve, her real task...

By Jack Plumley The following is a story about my adventures returning to Iceland for the Snorri Internship. This is shared in addition...

By Rob Olason Icelandic Roots Celebrates its tenth anniversary on November 12, 2023. The organization received its non-profit...

The Interesting Icelander series is profiling a most important man in the establishment of New Iceland. Meet Ólafur Ólafsson, the man who...

By Dagbjört Vopnfjord Editor's Note: This article gives a first-hand account of the early pioneer days in Manitoba, Canada. The author,...