Lögberg-Heimskringla Celebrates Milestone
- Sharron Arksey
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
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. Lögberg followed less than two
years later with its first issue published on January 10, 1888, under the editorship of Einar Hjorleifsson.
The two papers amalgamated in 1959 after years of discussion about the merger.
Editors held different opinions on a variety of topics, including politics, and they were
hesitant to unite under the same masthead. Finances played a key role in the eventual
decision; both publications needed money to keep on going and grants were more likely
if they were given to just one, rather than two, newspapers.
The joint name was selected for its emotional impact, appealing as it would to
subscribers of each publication. Lögberg-Heimskringla was chosen rather than
Heimskringla-Lögberg because it rolled off the tongue more easily.
The first editor was Ingibjorg Jonsson, who held that position from 1959 until 1971.
Others who have held the position include Jon Asgeirsson, Haraldur Bessason, Joan
Eyjolfson Cadham, Caelum Vatnsdal, and David Jon Fuller. Stefan Jonasson is the
current editor.
The two papers had always been printed in Icelandic, and it was decided that this would
continue. However, the first-ever edition of the new paper featured a front-page article in English by Dr. P.H.T. Thorlakson. Over time, English articles became more common and by the late 1970s, there was a 50-50 mix of English and Icelandic articles.
By August 31, 1990, the only Icelandic language articles were on the last page of the
publication. Ten years later, there were no longer any Icelandic language articles
in Lögberg-Heimskringla, largely a reflection of the fact that western Icelanders were
now predominantly English-speaking.
Except for a brief period in 2000 when L-H offices were headquartered in Gimli, the
paper has always had its offices in Winnipeg. In January 2004, the newspaper began
publishing every two weeks rather than on a weekly basis, and with a 16-page format.
The newspaper is now available in an online subscription as well as in the regular
newspaper format. In print, the paper is currently published on the 1st and 15th day of
each month, with no issues on August 15 and January 1.
In addition to looking back at 140 years of publication, Logberg-Heimskringla is using
this anniversary as an opportunity to look forward to the future. The paper helps to
sustain a community for those of Icelandic descent in Canada and the United States, as
well as providing a link between North America and Iceland. What that looks like in
coming years is a topic for discussion.
If any Icelandic Roots members have story ideas relating to Logberg-Heimskringla,
either as an individual or as a member of an organization, they are welcomed. Stories
can be sent to stefan@lh-inc.ca
