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Rune carving on wood

INLUS Webinar – Runes 101: The Alphabet of the Vikings

The Vikings carved runes across Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and even Iceland. Learn more about the alphabet, where it came from, how long it was used, what artifacts have been found and many other facts. Henrik Williams, Professor of Runology at Uppsala University, Sweden will provide us with a fascinating primer. Henrik Williams, Professor of Runology…

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Fernan Gonzales photo

Meet INLUS Business Member Fernán González

Fernán González is one of our newest business members. He is based in Spain and teaches a variety of online language classes, including Icelandic. If you are looking for a different language approach than that offered by INLUS, then check out his offerings. He has provided more details and an exclusive discount for INLUS Members.…

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Spring 2024 Connect cover

New Spring 2024 Connect Newsletter

The latest edition of the Connect is now available on the INLUS.org website.  (Newsletters Page Link HERE) The publication is filled with information on upcoming events, learning opportunities and the May Icelandic convention in Banff, Alberta. Topics explored in the Connect spring issue include: Three Icelandic R’s: Runes, Reykjavík Rendezvous, and a Ring Road Rondeau. A…

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U.S. Embassy photo

INLUS January 18, 2024 Webinar–Meet the U.S. Embassy Reykjavik Team

“What do I do when I lose my passport in Iceland?” “Can I work in Iceland?” “What business priorities are the embassy focused on?” “What is an Arctic Watcher?” “What is it like to work at an embassy?” These and many other questions will be answered when you meet the leadership team at the United…

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INLUS January 10, 2024 Webinar–The Njal’s Saga Tapestry

Claudia Pétursson will share the remarkable story of the Njal’s Saga Tapestry project in the first INLUS webinar of 2024, on Wednesday, January 10. Her presentation will take the viewer through the creative process and include a glimpse into the future of this amazing effort. Hvolsvöllur, Iceland, is a small town 85 miles outside of…

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holiday card graphic

Happy Holidays

As another year comes to a close, we send greetings and heartfelt thanks to all our members, donors and friends. We look forward to seeing you, in person or online, at one of our events in 2024. Gleðilega hátið!  

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My Snorri Adventure of a Lifetime

By Julia Swanson I just typed into Google: “a word to describe something that is greater than amazing.” It gave me: unbelievable, fascinating, incredible, awesome, and marvelous. Yes, those words could be used to describe my Snorri experience; however, I have realized one needs to experience the trip to truly understand the feeling. My time…

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Winter Newsletters cover

New Connect Winter 2023 Newsletter

The Winter Edition of the Connect is Now Available The quarterly Connect has been published by the Icelandic National League of the United States.  You can find it here:  Newsletters. Read about a new art project in Iceland that captures the spirit of one of the most famous sagas. The project aspires to the lofty…

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Normal Rockwell mural

Happy Thanksgiving + New Author’s Corner

The INLUS wishes all our USA-based individual and family members, business members, donors, supporting Icelandic organizations and all the Icelandic language students a very happy Thanksgiving.  Without your ongoing and generous support, we couldn’t provide financial support for the programming and scholarships that forge the bonds between the United States and Iceland. Author’s Corner –…

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Immigration webinar graphic

Upcoming INLUS/INLNA Webinar – Discover Your Icelandic Immigration Story with Icelandic Roots

Join in a special webinar which will be jointly hosted by INLUS and INLNA.  Dave Jonasson from Icelandic Roots will show us some amazing new features in the Icelandic Roots genealogy database which can help us trace and understand our ancestors and how they emigrated from Iceland to North America. Icelandic Roots is a 501(c)(3)…

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Newsletter Cover - Sep 2023

The Fall Connect Newsletter is Here!

The Connect, the INLUS quarterly newsletter, has just published its Fall 2023 edition. This issue contains updates on summer events local Icelandic groups created, in addition to upcoming fall events. You’ll also find articles on runes, new publications, and a tenth-year celebration by one of our supporting member organizations, Icelandic Roots. This summer was also…

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The Summer Connect Newsletter is Now Available

The Icelandic National League of the United States just released its quarterly newsletter, Connect, to keep you informed about the many Icelandic-themed events happening this summer. You’ll find events celebrating Iceland’s Independence, a special gathering featuring all the Scandinavian countries, and an annual Icelandic celebration in its 124th year. The INLUS keeps you updated through…

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Icelandic Horses

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – The Icelandic Horse in North America

Join us on Tuesday, June 6 for another informative webinar. | Purebred in Iceland for more than 1,000 years, the Icelandic horse is prized for its intelligence, strength, athleticism, hardiness and adaptability. While it is still considered a “niche” breed in North America, the Icelandic horse continues to gain in popularity in the United States…

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INLUS Awards Scholarships to 2023 Snorri Participants

Five North Americans will be boarding flights to Iceland on June 10 with a little help from the Icelandic National League of the United States (INLUS). The INLUS has awarded $1000 scholarships to each U.S. participant to help defray some of the costs of the program. Three of the Snorri participants are from Minnesota, one…

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Budir church photo

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – Iceland Travel Update – 2023

Learn about the latest developments in the Iceland travel industry and what you need to know to visit Iceland in a post-pandemic environment.  Jóhannes Thór Skúlason, Managing Director of the Icelandic Travel Industry Association, will talk with us about the latest regulations and the tourism and travel industry’s preparations for more open travel. About the…

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coffee cup photo

Kaffi Timi is Back!

Please join us in our virtual Kaffi Timi café on Friday, April 7 at 3:00 PM Eastern/ 2:00 PM Central/ 1:00 PM Mountain/ Noon Pacific.  Formed at the beginning of the pandemic, this is a time for us to just talk.  Everyone is welcome – you don’t need to be Icelandic!  Join us for an…

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Newsletter cover March 2023

New Connect Spring Newsletter

The latest edition of the Connect is now available on the INLUS.org website.  (Newsletters Page Link HERE) The publication is filled with information on upcoming events, learning opportunities and the May Icelandic convention in Banff, Alberta. Topics explored in the Connect spring issue include: -A preview of the upcoming INLNA convention that takes place in Banff,…

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Lake Moraine

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – Banff Convention Q & A

Join us on March 7th, 2023 for another interesting INLUS webinar. Bob Baker from the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary will join us to answer all your questions about the convention planning, program, travel, logistics and why you should plan to attend. The Icelandic National Leagues will be meeting in Banff, Alberta May 11-14,…

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banff scenic photo

Banff is Calling You!

The Icelandic National Leagues will be meeting in Banff, Alberta May 11-14, 2023.  The Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary, an INLUS member organization, is hosting the event with the theme Celebrating our Icelandic Heritage in the Arts.  Registration is open at 2023 CONVENTION Link.  You will notice that the convention is designated as an INLNA convention –…

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book cover

Upcoming INLUS Author’s Corner – Margaret Willson

Join us on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 as we help celebrate the release of Woman, Captain, Rebel.   Margaret Willson will join us at 8:00 PM Eastern (GMT-5)/ 7:00 PM Central/ 6:00 PM Mountain/ 5:00 Pacific to talk about Thuridur and the Icelandic fishing environment during Thuridur’s life. History would have us believe the sea has always…

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Icelandic ID badge

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – Immersion Icelandic Learning

Join us on Tuesday, January 10th to learn more about learning Icelandic via immersion classes in Iceland. “Ég vil tala íslensku (betur)”  … I want to speak Icelandic (better)! Looking for a way to supercharge your Icelandic language skills? Heard about opportunities available in Iceland but haven’t decided which one suits you?  Our upcoming webinar features…

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holiday card graphic

Happy Holidays

As another year comes to a close, we send greetings and heartfelt thanks to all our members, donors and friends. We look forward to seeing you, in person or online, at one of our events in 2023. Gleðilega hátið!  

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December Newsletter Cover

New Connect Winter Newsletter

The latest edition of the Connect is now available on the INLUS.org website.  (Newsletters Page Link HERE) The publication is filled with information on upcoming events, learning opportunities and even an historic look at a unique family that appears each Christmas season in Iceland. Topics explored in the Connect include: -A report that offers a…

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webinar announcement

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – A Conversation with the Consul General of North America

What does a Consul General of North America do?  How does this job differ from an Ambassador?  Let’s find out together!  Consul General Vilhjalmur Wiium will join us on Monday, November 21 at 8:00 PM Eastern to introduce himself and share his plans.  He assumed his new position in May 2022.  The primary role of…

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Long Friday pic 2

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – The Making of the Long Friday

The Making of The Long Friday. On October 24, 1975, the women of Iceland went on strike – they refused to work, cook, and look after children for a day. It was a moment that changed the way women were seen in the country and helped put Iceland at the forefront of the fight for equality.…

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Upcoming INLUS Author’s Corner – Looking for the Hidden Folk with Nancy Marie Brown

Join us on October 3 for an Authors Corner program with Nancy Marie Brown on her new book Looking for the Hidden Folk – How Iceland’s Elves can Save the Earth, which will be available on October 4th, published by Pegasus Books! In exploring how Icelanders interact with nature—and their idea that elves live among us—Nancy…

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Book Cover

Upcoming INLUS Author’s Corner – Dagatal with Karítas Pálsdóttir

As we move into the fall season, our thoughts turn to books and reading on those crisp autumn evenings.  Join us as Lauren Fields talks with Karítas Hrundar Pálsdóttir about her latest book, Dagatal – Sögur á einföldu máli. Karítas is the author of two books for Icelandic language learners: Árstíðir – Sögur á einföldu máli (2020)…

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HIMA logo

Harpa International Music Academy USA

The Icelandic National League of the United States is pleased to introduce our members and friends to new cultural activities related to Iceland and Icelanders. A new event to the United States this year is the Harpa International Music Academy USA (HIMA USA). Founded by world-renowned violinist and Oberlin Conservatory professor Sibbi Bernhardsson, HIMA USA…

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Iceland and USA flags with text (www.INLUS.org)

New Summer Newsletter and Just Icelandic Webinar

Our June 2022 INLUS Connect newsletter is now available!  Meet our newest Board members, find out about upcoming INLUS and local events, and get a recap of the most recent webinars.  Be sure to tell us about Icelandic and Nordic events going on near you – send to us via email: info@inlus.org June 8 INLUS Webinar “Hello and…

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lava photo

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – A Just Icelandic Volcanic Eruption

“Hello and greetings from Iceland…” With his signature greeting at the beginning of his video reports, Gylfi Gylfason starts another installment of his unique explorations on the latest turn of events with the volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just west of Reykjavik. Gylfi is the developer of the YouTube channel, “Just Icelandic,” which he…

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Stora Hammars stone

Vikings: Their History and Legacy

Upcoming INLUS Author’s Corner: Men of Terror |  About one thousand years ago, a man named Fraði died in Sweden. His kinsmen raised a granite runestone to his memory in Denmark. The inscription tells us that Fraði was the “first among all Vikings” and that he was a “terror of men.” What did Fraði do…

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100 Iceland cover

New Iceland Travel Book from Eric Newman

UPDATE: Join us on May 2nd, 2022 for a INLUS Author’s Corner with Eric. The time is 5pm PDT/6pm MDT/7pm CDT/8pm EDT/2400 GMT.  See the INLUS Events Calendar for details. Check out INLUS Business Member Eric Newman’s (Iceland With Kids) latest book 100 Tips for Visiting Iceland.| If you’re planning to visit Iceland, the amount…

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Upcoming INLUS Author’s Corner – Iceland Wintertide With David Freese

Join us for another interesting INLUS Author’s Corner presentation on Monday, March 14. | David Freese’s photographic odyssey started with a Trilogy of North American Waters which is comprised of the books West Coast: Bering to Baja, 2012, East Coast: Arctic to Tropic, 2016, and Mississippi River: Headwaters and Heartland to Delta and Gulf, 2020. The…

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chocolate egg

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – Chocolate & Icelandic Easter Eggs

Join us for another interesting INLUS Webinar presentation on Monday, February 28. | From National Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day in January to National Chocolate Candy Day at the end of December, there are more than 50 “chocolate days” during the year.   Sales of chocolate for Valentine’s Day and Easter are only outdone by Halloween and Christmas. …

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Iceland waterfall and cup

Tourism in Iceland with Hey Iceland

Submitted by INLUS Business Member Hey Iceland | We all know how the global pandemic has impacted international travel. We have had to change or postpone travel plans, focus on exploring our own countries and reevaluate travel in general. In the Summer of 2021 we were pleasantly surprised by the number of travelers who visited…

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Upcoming INLUS Webinar – Lögberg-Heimskringla

Join us for another interesting Webinar presentation on Tuesday, February 8th. | Lögberg-Heimskringla – A Mirror of Icelandic Life in North America | “We like to think of Lögberg-Heimskringla as the ‘newspaper of record’ for the Icelandic community in North America,” says its editor Stefan Jonasson. “One of the oldest ethnic newspapers on the continent, it has served…

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coffee cup photo

Kaffi Timi is Back!

Need a break from the everyday routine?  Ready to make some new friends? The INLUS is pleased to bring back our popular Kaffi Timi online video discussion time.  Kaffi Timi provides a time to chat for an hour about anything and everything. Friday, January 21, 2022 will mark its return at 3:00 PM Eastern/ 2:00…

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St. Thorlak print

Thorláksmessa, the Feast of Saint Thorlák Thorhallsson

| By Aimee O’Connell | December 23 is a national holiday in Iceland: Thorláksmessa, the Feast of Saint Thorlák Thorhallsson, the sixth bishop of Skálholt and Iceland’s patron saint who died on this date in 1193.  With its proximity to Christmas, the holiday is usually the day when preparation finally turns to celebration, with friends…

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volcano photo

The Snorri Programs – Connecting Icelanders and North Americans since 1999

INLUS Webinar When:  Monday, November 29, 2021 Time:    11:00 AM Eastern/10:00 AM Central/9:00 AM Mountain/8:00 AM Pacific Program link may be found on the INLUS Events Calendar. Many Western Icelanders have heard of the Snorri Programs, but perhaps are unaware there are actually four separate programs, three for North Americans and one for Icelanders.  All…

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Bergdís Ellertsdóttir photo

Join Us for an Update from Iceland’s Ambassador to the U.S.

We are honored to have Bergdís Ellertsdóttir update us on her role and responsibilities as Iceland’s Ambassador to the United States. Much has changed since Ambassador Ellertsdóttir talked with us in June 2020.  The Ambassador will discuss a wide range of topics and activities she has been involved with, including the impact of the pandemic,…

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Jewells & Erin photos

A Conversation on All Things Iceland

Have you ever thought of packing up and moving to Iceland?  What are the challenges, what are the delightful surprises?  Jewells Chambers, the person behind All Things Iceland on social media, will share her perspectives with us on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021.  She will be interviewed by Erin Johnson, another recent transplant to Iceland.  This…

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Losing a Friend

There are some people in this world that instantly become your friend.  Brent Scharbor (Skarðaborg) was one of those people.  We recently received word that he has passed away from COVID-19 in Texas. Brent was very proud of his Icelandic lineage that wove through the Orkney Islands to England and Scotland.  Like the Vikings of…

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book cover

INLUS Author’s Corner – Nancy Marie Brown

Join us on September 1st. Please join us on September 1 for another INLUS Author’s Corner presentation with Nancy Marie Brown on her new book The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women, which will be available on August 31st, published by St. Martin’s Press! In 2017, DNA tests revealed to the collective shock…

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Saint Thorlak

The Summer Feast of Saint Thorlák

By Aimee O’Connell  | Most of us are familiar with Thorláksmessa, the Feast of Saint Thorlák, which Icelanders mark on December 23 as both a salute to the Patron Saint of Iceland and a joyful day of preparation for the Christmas holidays.  But few are aware that there is a corresponding Feast of Saint Thorlák…

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Brewing Mead with Brent Skarðaborg

Join us on Wednesday, July 7th for a discussion about making mead with Chef Brent Skarðaborg. Mead is called the Nectar of the Gods.  Neither beer nor wine, mead is in its own category of alcoholic drink.  The Chinese may have been making mead as early as 7000 BCE!  It has been a favorite drink worldwide…

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Iceland and USA flags with text (www.INLUS.org)

June 17th – A Day to Celebrate

Happy June 17th!  Today we celebrate Iceland’s National Day and the second birthday of the Icelandic National League of the United States! (INLUS) Take a look at our just-released INLUS newsletter here: Newsletters – Icelandic National League (inlus.org).  In this issue, you can find out why we celebrate Iceland’s National Day on June 17th and meet…

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Leifur Eiriksson statue

Upcoming INLUS Webinar – Leifur Eiriksson Foundation Grants

U.S. – Iceland Graduate Student Fellowship Grants – Through support from the Leifur Eiriksson Foundation Are you, or someone you know, an American citizen planning to do graduate studies or research in Iceland or an Icelandic citizen planning to do graduate studies or research in the US?  You will want to tune into this INLUS…

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Icelandic horses photo

Introducing the Icelandic Horse

INLUS will host an introduction to the Icelandic horse on Thursday, May 6 at 8:00 PM Eastern/7:00 Central/6:00 Mountain/5:00 Pacific.  See the INLUS Featured Events Calendar for the webinar link and more details. When Vikings settled Iceland in the late 800s, they brought only the best of their herds. The Icelandic horse descends from these…

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Nancy Marie Brown

April INLUS News and Reminders

There is a lot going on in the INLUS! Reminders April 9 (Fri.), 3:00 PM Eastern/2:00 Central/1:00 Mountain/Noon Pacific:  Kaffi Timi.  This is an open one-hour time to chat with others from across North America.  Details may be found at Kaffi Tími 2021 – Icelandic National League (inlus.org).  These meetings occur every 2 weeks. April…

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Iceland and USA flags with text (www.INLUS.org)

Upcoming INLUS Webinars

Please join us in later in March and April for two new webinars. First, on March 21st we will speak with Jonathan Wood, Polar Law student at the University of Akureyri.  He will talk about what brought him to Iceland, the Polar Law program, his work with the Arctic indigenous communities and the challenges they are…

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Katelin Parsons photo

Preserving Our Icelandic Heritage

Now scheduled for April 14 – When we think of Icelandic Heritage, many of us whose descendants came to North America generations ago think about the traditions.  But what about those things such as books, diaries, letters, and other documents that came with the immigrants that provided reading enjoyment, or were written by them that documents…

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On the ferry to Grimsey

Arctic Fisheries Webinar – 31 Jan

** PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS ** We welcome everyone to join us for our next webinar this Sunday evening (31 Jan) at 6 pm PST / 7 pm MST /8 pm CST / 9 pm EST / 2 am GMT – when we are pleased to present Lauren Fields sharing insights about fisheries management in…

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Budir church photo

Visiting Iceland Webinar Recording

Response to the INLUS Webinar yesterday was overwhelming and viewer demand exceeded the capacity of our Zoom account! We appreciate the worldwide interest and apologize to those who could not view the event at the scheduled time. We will host our next webinar later this month on January 31st. See the INLUS Events Calendar for…

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Iceland back sand beach

Visiting Iceland in 2021

Visiting Iceland in 2021?! The Covid-19 vaccines are giving us hope that we will be able to gather and travel in 2021.  Iceland is reviewing and revising their requirements and protocols for safely visiting Iceland.  Join us on Sunday, January 17th and learn the latest travel news!  Jóhannes Thór Skúlason, Managing Director of the Icelandic…

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New Year Fireworks in Reykjavik

Happy New Year!

Gleðilegt nýtt ár! As we prepare to turn the page to a new year, the INLUS wishes you a Happy New Year.  We are looking forward to a year of continuing growth and offerings of interesting and valuable information. We will begin the year with two of our popular webinars. On January 17th we will speak…

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Snorri participants with flags photo

2021 Snorri Programs Announced

The Snorri Foundation in Reykjavik has released details for 2021 Snorri Programs.  Pála Hallgrímsdóttir, the new Project Manager for these programs, distributed the attached flyer announcing plans for 2021. (subject to changing Pandemic regulations, of course) Keep in mind that the INLUS provides scholarships to USA-based Snorri participants!  More information can be found on our…

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book covers

INLUS Author’s Corner – “Duet”

Please join us on Sunday, November 15th at 9PM Eastern (8PM Central; 7PM Mountain; 6PM Pacific) for another INLUS Author’s Corner, a periodic webinar with authors of Iceland related books. The event will feature authors Amy Hendrickson and Eric Newman and a discussion of their books, Lara of the North and Lundi the Lost Puffin.…

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authors photo in Iceland

INLUS Author’s Corner – Sverrir Sigurdsson and Veronica Li

Please join us on Thursday, November 5th at 8PM Eastern (7PM Central; 6PM Mountain; 5PM Pacific) for another INLUS Author’a Corner, a periodic webinar with authors of Iceland related books. The event will feature authors Sverrir Sigurdsson and his wife Veronica Li and a discussion of their 2020 memoir, Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir. The…

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Photo of Patrick Stevens

The “Icelandic” in the Fiske Icelandic Collection

Webinar: October 22, 2020, 4:00 PM EDT/3:00 PM CDT/2:00 PM MDT/1:00 PM PDT Daniel Willard Fiske was a young man when he ventured to Iceland in 1850.  He was so enamored by the country, the people, and their books, that he began his own collection, focusing on Iceland, anything relating to the Viking Forays, and…

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LEIF logo

LEIF Goes Online!

The pandemic has forced the cancellation of many summer and fall festivals.  The Leif Eriksson International Festival (LEIF) took this time as an opportunity to reimagine the festival.  Rather than an in-person series of music and religious services in Minneapolis, the LEIF Committee asked, “what if”.  The result is a shorter festival, but much richer…

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Food Photography with Rhonda Adkins – Webinar

Join us on 24 September for another INLUS Webinar. (Time: 5:00 PM Eastern, 4:00 PM Central, 3:00 PM Mountain, 2:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 PM GMT) Do your photos of food look as good as those in the magazines?  I know mine don’t!  Join INLUS member Rhonda Adkins, professional food photographer and chef, as she shares her secrets for great…

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Geysir in Iceland

Slow TV

By Dianne O’Konski | Have you heard of the Slow TV phenomenon?  I recently read an article about it and decided to explore a bit further.  It started in 2009 (wow, am I behind the times) in Norway, but it really started to take off a few years ago and has gained more popularity with…

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book cover -Sigga

INLUS Author’s Corner – Solveig Eggerz

Please join us on Tuesday, September 1st at 4PM Eastern (3PM Central; 2PM Mountain; 1PM Pacific) for another INLUS Author’s Corner, a periodic webinar with authors of Iceland related books. Our September event will feature author Solveig Eggerz and a discussion of her 2019 novel, Sigga of Reykjavík. Sigga of Reykjavík presents a compelling story…

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On with the Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life

  Hekla Publishing will be releasing a new retirement & aging book – On with the Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life by Heidi Herman on August 14th. This new book is filled with encouragement and ideas to add more vitality and activity into your everyday life and has a strong Icelandic connection. She…

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photo of book cover

Lundi the Lost Puffin

By Eric Newman | A New Children’s Book about Iceland After a visit to Iceland a few years ago, I found myself telling everyone this story. “Did you know that children on the Westman Islands rescue thousands of baby puffins every year?” It’s probably my favorite Iceland story. So I wrote a children’s book about…

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Djúpivogur harbor

The Story of Hans Jonathan (1784-1827)

By David Johnson | Striving to ensure that liberty and justice for all is deeply woven throughout our society’s entire fabric is a struggle that continues today.   In the U.S., many examples of courage and resilience are found in those who were enslaved.   And still there are stories of pain and suffering down to…

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coffee cup photo

Kaffi Timi Continues

Over the past few months, the INLUS has opened its online meeting room twice a week to chat.  Offered as a respite to stay-at-home guidelines, our Kaffi Timi discussions have covered a wide range of topics, from the virus and the weather to cooking and dreams of travel.  People from all parts of the U.S.…

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Iceland flags photo

Iceland Independence Day

Robert Frost once said, “Freedom lies in being bold.”   After years of effort and struggle, the Icelandic people boldly achieved full independence from Denmark 76 years ago on June 17, 1944.   What a celebration that was and what strides the free country of Iceland has made since then. June 17, 2020 also marks the 1st…

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Iceland scenic photo

Future Travel to Iceland

Many of us have had our 2020 travel plans impacted by the worldwide Covid-19 Pandemic, with plans for Iceland travel either cancelled and deferred. One of the most frequent questions we hear is, “when will we be able to visit Iceland?” INLUS wants to help! Building upon our webinar this week with Jóhannes Þór Skúlason,…

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Budir church photo

Iceland Travel & Tourism Webinar

Do you want to visit Iceland? Are you confused by Covid-19 travel restrictions? Are you concerned about the future of Icelandair or air travel to Iceland? INLUS wants to help! We are excited to welcome Jóhannes Þór Skúlason, Managing Director of the Icelandic Travel Industry Association (SAF), for an online discussion of the latest travel…

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scene image from the film The County

More Icelandic Films Online

An important mission area of INLUS is to help connect our members with Icelandic culture. One way we do that is to help increase awareness of Icelandic film and TV productions. The 39th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is going online this year, beginning May 15. About 40 countries are represented this year, with…

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Kleinur photo

Kaffi Timi Extended

Kaffi Timi Extended Schedule Over the past few weeks, numerous INLUS members and friends have joined in on our Tuesday and Friday Kaffi Timi online (Zoom) chats. For many, COVID-19 restrictions will continue into May and possible beyond, so we have decided to extend our weekly chat schedule into June. Come join us, take a…

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Iceland and USA flags photo

Icelandic Language in North America Survey

Do you speak Icelandic? Is it important to you that Icelandic be kept alive in North America? How is it connected to your feeling of “Icelandic-ness”? Principle investigator Prof. Kirsten Wolf and her associate Laura Moquin from the University of Wisconsin-Madison are leading a research study about language attitudes and identity in Icelandic heritage communities…

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scene image from the film A White White Day

Icelandic Films Online – Limited Release

An important mission area of INLUS is to help connect our members with Icelandic culture. One way we do that is to help increase awareness of Icelandic film and TV productions. A couple of Icelandic films have recently become available for viewing in the U.S. The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) was scheduled for May…

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Kleinur photo

Stir Crazy Yet?

By Dianne O’Konski | Are you going stir crazy yet? I am not a big Facebook fan, but it has gotten more interesting lately. The posts and reposts give us a sliver of people’s state of mind. A relative posted this today from gramma funnies: “The truth is that it’s not so boring at home.…

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CDC depiction of coronavirus

Icelanders in the Days of COVID-19

As I’ve heard many times in the last week, these are challenging times. New information is coming out daily and it is so easy to get swept up in it. We need to be smart and prudent about our activities. As such, the Icelandic National League of North America (INLNA) has made a decision to…

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waterfall photo

Iceland With Kids – New Edition Launched

By Eric Newman | Our new travel guide book: Iceland With Kids It’s March of 2009. I’m on crutches with a broken hip, and my wife is pregnant with our 4th child. Oh, and all of us (me, my wife, and 3 kids) are on vacation in Iceland. Our taxi driver helped the kids build…

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Thorri toast photo

Welcome Thorri!

by Dianne O’Konski | Thorri (Þorri), the fourth month of winter on the Icelandic calendar begins on Jan. 24th – the first Friday after January 19th! Scholars believe that the name of the month “Thorri” is either taken from the Norwegian king Thorri Snærsson or from Thor, the God of Thunder (my bet is on…

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Iceland panorama photo

Iceland is Calling – UPDATE: Deadline is Feb 1st

  Deadline for reservations is Feb. 1, 2020 Please share with your club members, friends and family! Space on these trips is limited to a maximum of 20 passengers. The INLUS is pleased to announce that Nordic Trails is offering two tours to the Land of Fire and Ice this summer that are sure to…

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Snorri participants with flags photo

Snorri Program Deadline is Today!

Today is the last day to apply for the 2020 Snorri cultural exchange program in Iceland. Snorri Plus applications will be accepted until January 31st. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Please forward to interested friends and family. More information can be obtained at our friends at the Snorri Foundation in Iceland. Visit www.Snorri.is

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Christmas Cat drawing

Grýla and Jólakötturinn – The Christmas Cat

By Heidi Herman-Kerr | In the far mountains of Iceland, way up in the north, there is a place that no one dares go. There are no roads, just paths worn from the feet of sheep and a few other creatures. There are steep cliffs and rocky parts, all filled with caves and hidden places.…

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yule lads door opening

Yule Lad Stories You’ve Never Read

By Heidi Herman-Kerr | Anyone familiar with Icelandic holiday mythology has probably heard of Jolasveinar-the Icelandic Yule Lads. One folklorist and crafter brings us new stories unique to each of these mischievous fellows. This story is shared from an original post on Tales of Yngiwulf. Thorulfr finds the first Yule Lad in the barn with…

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Yule Lads book covers photo

Authors Q&A on Icelandic Yule Lads

Join us Monday, November 25th as we welcome two INLUS Founding Members, each has authored of books about Iceland’s Yule Lads. With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, Gay Strandemo and Heidi Herman will share with us insights and holiday traditions of mischief and gift-giving surrounding the Icelandic Yule Lads. The webinar will be…

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Snorri program participants photo

2020 Snorri – Have the Adventure of a Lifetime

INLUS is proud to support The Snorri Programs. Please help us get the word out about the 2020 Snorri Program offerings! The first deadline is November 29, 2019 for the Snorri Alumni Internship. Become a 2020 Snorri – have the Adventure of a Lifetime! Strengthening the bonds between people of Icelandic descent in North America…

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Iceland Writers Retreat logo

Iceland Writers Retreat

The INLUS is hosting an informational webinar you don’t want to miss! Join us Tuesday, November 19th at 1PM Eastern (Noon Central, 11AM Mountain and 10AM Pacific) for the INLUS inaugural webinar! Free and Open to All To kick off the series, we will be joined by the founders of the Iceland Writers Retreat, Iceland’s…

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Lara of the North book cover photo

Lara of the North

By Amy Henrickson | When I think about my first visit to Iceland, I remember riding a stocky Icelandic horse along a meandering fjord framed by mountains in Akureyri. I also recall spending a sunny but chilly morning in Isafjordur at an outdoor café eating delicious cake and drinking coffee while watching a lively, happy…

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Icelandic sheep photo

What Sort of Sheep Are Those?

-Dalarna Farms, Beresford, South Dakota “What sort of sheep are those?” “Are those goats?” “Why aren’t your sheep very sheep-y?” Dalarna Farms in Beresford, South Dakota is home to a variety of common and a few uncommon animals. They have Icelandic Sheep on their farm and allowed us to share their story. We have them…

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tourists and waterfall

Krummi Travel’s Wild Wild West!

A magical tour based in Iceland’s wild west where you spend an entire week frustrating the locals, hiding from the crowds of hideous tourists, hiking through impossibly beautiful places, eating candy, and learning amazing stuff from outstanding Icelandic individuals! June 13 – 22, 2020 TOUR Krummi Travel presents “Krummi Travel’s WILD WEST!” an 8 night /9 day adventure…

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Leifer Eiríksson statue photo

October 9th is the day we celebrate Leifur Eiríksson Day!

Almost five centuries before Christopher Columbus discovered America, Leifur Eiríksson and his group of travelers explored North America. Those with Scandinavian/Viking heritage celebrate Leifur Eiríksson Day/Leif Erikson Day each year. In Icelandic, his name is spelled Leifur Eiríksson. He is called, “The son of Iceland, grandson of Norway, and the discoverer of North America.” His…

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Viking swordsman

12 Famous People You (Probably) Didn’t Know Were Icelandic

By Heidi Herman-Kerr | When you hear the word “Icelanders,” what comes to mind? The Vikings, longboats, long beards, and glaciers, right? The names, besides being tough to pronounce, typically end with -son or -dottir. Icelandic surnames are different from most other naming systems in the modern Western world by being patronymic or occasionally matronymic:…

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Icelandic horses photo

The Icelandic Horse is Not a Pony

By Heidi Herman-Kerr | The Icelandic horse has always been an important part in the Icelandic life and culture. They were brought by the Vikings and were well-suited for the rough and rocky terrain. Since they were used travel, transportation as well as other tasks, Icelanders used to call them Þarfasti Þjónninn, the “most useful…

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Deacon of Dark River drawing

The Ghost and the Farmer’s Daughter

By Heidi Herman-Kerr | Iceland’s history is filled with folklore stories of trolls and hidden people, but also legends of magic, ghosts, and mysterious happenings. Once such story comes from North Iceland, although its exact origin and author are unknown. In this story, a ghost speaks to a girl named Guðrún, but calls her Garún.…

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map and magnifier photo

The Adventure of Finding Your Heritage

By Heidi Herman-Kerr | Where are you from? It’s a common enough question. It’s asked a thousand times a day, usually as an icebreaker between strangers. In the United States, the typical answer is a state or metropolitan region. “I’m from Minnesota” or “I live in Los Angeles.” In casual conversation, seldom are you asked,…

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Vikings with shields

Midsummer is This Weekend!

By Heidi Herman-Kerr | Midsummer marks the summer solstice, traditionally celebrated in Nordic with large festivals. These countries – Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and the associated territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Åland Islands – endure winters marked by as much as twenty hours of darkness, it’s easy to see why they…

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Official INLUS logo

June 17th – Iceland’s National Day

By Heidi Herman-Kerr | June 17th is National Day in Iceland. It is celebrated with parades, bands, and music, marking an important day to the Icelandic people world-wide, commemorating the day Iceland in 1944 when the Republic of Iceland was founded, bringing back complete Icelandic independence for the first time since 1262. Today, we continue…

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