Icelandic Roots: Educate, Inspire, Preserve, Connect

For nearly a decade, a small team of dedicated genealogists within Icelandic Roots has meticulously researched an array of sources to paint a more accurate picture of the Icelandic Emigration Story between 1850 and 1914. This research has included documenting who left, when they left (and if they stayed), why they left, and how they made the journey.  The Camoens, one of the many ships Icelanders took on their journey to North America. Accessed 2/26/2026 from Icelandic Roots

Icelandic Roots newsletter theme for 2026 is the emigration to North America and the settlements there. Some are still active settlements, while others have since been abandoned. Washington Island is a settlement from 1870 that remains strong today.   In the mid-1800s, Icelanders began to emigrate to America. Many hardships in Iceland contributed to its people searching for a better life, for them and their family. Emigration proved to be the answer for some. Stories of settl

by Gunnar Birgisson Few things are as emblematic of Icelandic culture as the public swimming pools that are found throughout the country. Whether in the Reykjavik region or any of the smaller towns spread throughout the country, these institutions provide the Icelandic public and foreign visitors with a wonderful amenity. These are iconic places that anyone can visit. Each one always has both a pool and some hot tubs. And there is the Sundlaugarvörður — the swimming pool guar

Lögberg-Heimskringla , the oldest ethnic publication in Canada and the second oldest in North America will celebrate its 140th anniversary in 2026. Beginning with its first issue of 2026 in January, the paper will include articles from the time it has been in existence, culminating in a special issue devoted to the anniversary on September 15. Heimskringla was first published on September 9, 1886, with editors Freeman Anderson, Eggert Johansson, and Einar Hjorleifsson. Lögbe

Note: The Icelandic Roots Book Club is open to all members at Icelandic Roots. To learn more about membership levels, visit our membership page . The Icelandic Roots Book Club for Thursday, March 5 th, will feature A Necessary Distance: Confessions of a Scriptwriter’s Daughter with author Julie Salverson. We can all relate to the excitement, and possible trepidation, of discovering a letter or journal written by family members long after they have departed this mortal coil.

Icelandic Roots newsletter theme for 2026 is the emigration and settling of American settlements, including those that went to Utah in the early years.   Between 1854 and 1914, just over 400 Icelanders who had converted to the Church of the Latter-day Saints emigrated to Utah, where they founded the first permanent Icelandic settlement in North America. Icelandic influence in the area, specifically in Spanish Fork, Utah, remains today. Photo Credit: Emilyannmcdonald (03 Nov 2