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Our researchers put many hours into public record searches and maintain community connections to help keep the database up to date, but most of our contemporary information comes from you—our members, supporters, and followers.

By Jason Doctor Public Webinar on Friday, 27 March 2026 : INDIGENOUS AND ICELANDIC INTERACTIONS AT THE EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS Our Icelandic Roots Host, Jason Doctor, welcomes guest Hildur Sigurbergsdóttir, historian and Snorri West alum. We will be discussing the complex story of the encounters between the Icelandic settlers and the existing Indigenous populations as part of an extended celebration marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of New Iceland and Minneota.

By Gay Strandemo Settling in the Wisconsin area, our Scandinavian ancestors left their mark. A strong sense of literacy and the preservation of historical records has offered enhanced understanding of their cultures, traditions, languages and more curated by the Department of Scandinavian Studies, which has a history unto itself. Established in 1875, the Department of Scandinavian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is the oldest Scandinavian Studies department in

By Phyllis Smith Icelandic Roots newsletter theme for 2026 is the emigration and settling of American settlements, including those that went to Brazil in the early years. Most people with ancestors who left Iceland have connections with various communities in the USA and Canada. However, a tiny group of Icelanders headed to Brazil in 1863, followed by another small group in 1873. A Reddit thread poster asked for information in the Brazil subreddit regarding the Icelanders in

By Shaune Jonasson Welcome to Icelandic Roots Interesting Icelanders for 2026. This year, we will focus on those who emigrated to North America or their descendants, that became accomplished or well known within the area. Our first profile is honouring the memory and achievements of Sir William Stephenson from Winnipeg, Manitoba. William Samuel Clouston Stanger/Stephenson (I523046) was born on 23 January 1897 in the Point Douglas area of Winnipeg, Manitoba to a Scottish fa

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

by Shaune Jonasson 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 honour to write this post.

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...