Become a Founder of the Icelandic Rootshús

On August 1, 2026 — 148 years after the first Icelandic families settled the northeast corner of Dakota Territory, we will have our official groundbreaking for the Icelandic Rootshús Interpretive Center in Mountain, North Dakota. This will be a permanent home we can walk into, rising across from the historic Víkur Church and Cemetery, where our shared story will be told, remembered, and carried forward. This land is the homestead of the Father of the Icelandic Settlement in Dakota, Páll Þorláksson.

After eight years of dreaming and planning, and decades of doing our work online, this is the moment it becomes real. And we want your family to be part of it.

Become a Founder by July 15 to have your name printed in the special keepsake booklet we'll hand out at the Groundbreaking. Names lock when the booklet goes to print, so July 15 is the date that matters.

Become a Founder before the August 1 Groundbreaking to receive the beautiful Founders Groundbreaking Pin — a lasting token of a place you helped build. This pin is available only to those who become Founders before we break ground.

Founder status will continue during the construction phase.

Icelandic Rootshús Groundbreaking Pin for those who become Founders

This is a once-in-a-generation moment. Gifts of every size are welcome — there is no minimum, and everyone who gives becomes a Friend of the Rootshús.

The Rootshús tells a story that belongs to all of us across Iceland, Canada, the United States, Brazil, and wherever someone with Icelandic ancestors lives. Help us keep it alive for the generations coming after us.

Click on this link to learn more and to become a Founder → To everyone who already supports Icelandic Roots in any way through supporting memberships, volunteering, and those who are already Friends of the Rootshús, thank you. We could not have reached this moment without you. Now, we invite everyone around the world to help create this physical location for all to enjoy.