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Are you eager to stay informed about all things Icelandic? Look no further than the Icelandic Roots newsletter! Our dedicated team of authors and guest writers brings you insightful and engaging content on various topics related to Icelandic culture, history, travel, famous people, language, genealogy, and upcoming events.

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The Diary From My First Year in America

By Bryndís Víglundsdóttir The Icelandic Roots Writers' Group meet monthly and are given a prompt for writing assignments. This summer, we are sharing their stories from this past season. Bryndís shares with us the memorable adventures she experienced in her first year of living in the United States. I will open it randomly and tell you some of the experiences of the newcomer to America. Bryndís standing in front of a portrait of her younger self. Image sourced from IR image b

Jul 318 min read

Growing up in Lundar

by Patty Johnson Patty Johnson and Becky Byerly-Adams were guests on Samtal Hour, a member's only conversation hour normally held bi-weekly that shares all things Icelandic. On Monday, 14 July, they spoke about their roots in the Lundar and Interlake Region east of Lake Manitoba. This article is a transcript from Patty who shared her fond memories and heartfelt reflections of growing up in Lundar. Where is Lundar? Originally the Swan Lake Settlement founded in 1887, Lundar is

Jul 319 min read

Interesting Icelander: Nelson Gerrard

By Nelson Gerrard Each month Icelandic Roots presents an Interesting Icelander, a person that has positively impacted the lives of of fellow Icelanders. Nelson Gerrard, an historian and genealogist, is one such individual. If you are involved with searching your ancestral family, you've most likely heard of Nelson's contributions or have possibly exchanged family details. An accomplished author, Nelson Gerrard has also received recognition for several honourable awards. In 20

Jun 208 min read

Memories from a Winnipeg Icelandic- Canadian

by Doreen Borgfjord McFarlane As we review the settlements in Winnipeg and the New Iceland area, no doubt many of us have reflected on the life our ancestors experienced. But what of our own life in these Icelandic settlement areas? One of our IR volunteers and author, Doreen Borgfjord McFarlane, reflects on her growing up in Winnipeg as a Canadian with Icelandic heritage. Doreen Borgfjord McFarlane There are not too many advantages to being what you might call “pretty old”

Jun 64 min read

Memories of Thorsteinn Borgford

By Brian Borgford The following is a series of excerpts from the memoir of Thorsteinn Borgford (I464972), written in 1947 when he was in his 70s. His grandson, Brian, transcribed his typewritten manuscript. Thorsteinn tried to present his story in the third person, but his writing occasionally shifted into the first person. In addition, spelling and other errors that did not impact the meaning of his story remain unchanged. Brian has selected excerpts relevant to our theme

Jun 65 min read

Taking on the Icelandic Roots 2026 Focus Challenge

By Rob Olason (I149007) In the January 18, 2026, edition of the Icelandic Roots newsletter, Rætur Fréttir/Roots News , I published the article, “The Icelandic Roots 2026 Focus.” Each year the newsletter team picks a theme to emphasize when we gather articles from our contributing authors. We intend that this sustained exploration of a topic over the course of a year will provide our readers with a deeper understanding of this aspect of Icelandic heritage. The 2026 focus is on

Mar 288 min read

Going to America, the Promised Land

By Bryndís Víglundsdóttir We welcome this article by Bryndís Víglundsdóttir who tells us about a promise she made to her ten-year-old self. When first arriving in New York City she was presented with a much different cultural experience leaving her to wonder what the rest of the country was like: is this the Promised Land? I was ten years old when I promised myself that one day I would go to America. I had read about remarkable Americans whom I deeply admired, and I longed

Mar 145 min read

Escaping Vistarband

By Phyllis Smith Many of us are immigrants—not personally—but through our ancestors. It is because they left Iceland that we’re here today. By telling their stories, we uncover themes of resilience, determination, strength, and even suffering. Unless we knew our immigrant ancestors personally, we must trace their journeys through records and research. Our family lore can add colour and context, but it may not be enough to answer every question. I never knew my Icelandic i

Jan 165 min read

Long-Haired Joe, Buffalo and Dad

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

Nov 8, 20255 min read

Changes: Sweet Sixteen

Writers' Group Series "Changes"

Aug 1, 20252 min read

Kristín í Watertown and the Watertown Icelanders

By Jason Doctor At family reunions and visits with relatives in Watertown, South Dakota, a rich history of Icelanders from the area was hidden in plain sight. Jason recounts the story of Kristín Þorkelsdóttir, a well known writer, and other Watertown ancestors. Recounting this history and their stories is vital to keeping the past alive. Growing up, the family reunions I attended alternated between the Black Hills and Lake Kampeska in Watertown, South Dakota. We would typical

Feb 28, 202511 min read