The story of Icelandic emigration

The Icelandic Emigration Centre in Hofsós was founded in 1996. Its purpose is to honour Icelanders who emigrated to North America between 1850 and 1914. The centre tells their story, preserves their memory and strengthens ties between their descendants abroad and relatives in Iceland. It operates in three historical buildings and offers four exhibitions, genealogy services, a library and accommodation for scholars.

Exhibitions on the life, history and settlement of Icelanders in North America

The exhibition Another Land – Another Life explores the lives of thousands of Icelanders who moved to the “New World”. It describes hardship, poor fishing seasons and social conditions that led many to leave Iceland.

The exhibition The Promised Land focuses on about 400 Icelanders who emigrated to Utah between 1852 and 1914. It explains the religious background of the movement, the journey itself and the new lives settlers built in growing communities.

The Story of the Brazil Emigrants tells of 39 Icelanders who travelled into the unknown and ended up in Brazil. It highlights their journey, their circumstances and their lives in a new land.

Fields of Shining Gold presents the story of Icelandic settlers in North Dakota. It shows how they built their communities under new conditions across the ocean.

The exhibition Silent Flashes displays nearly 400 photographs of Icelandic settlers in North America from 1870–1910. The images show people, homes, work and daily life in a new world.

Historical background and links to Iceland’s settlement history

Near Hofsós lies the settlement farm Höfði, where Þórður, an ancestor of Snorri Þorfinnsson, lived. Snorri is believed to be the first child of European descent born on the American mainland. His parents, Þorfinnur karlsefni and Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir, lived in Vinland around 1004–1006 before returning to Iceland and settling in Skagafjörður.

The restoration of Hofsós and the beginning of the Emigration Centre

Hofsós is one of Iceland’s oldest trading places. At the end of the 20th century, many historic buildings in the village were in decline. Valgeir Þorvaldsson began a major restoration project to preserve the old village core and make Hofsós an attractive destination.

After repairs to the old 1877 Pakkhús, the exhibition New Land, New Life opened there in cooperation with the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum. The building also houses a room dedicated to Stephan G. Stephansson, where visitors can learn about his life and work.

In 2000, the building Frændgarður opened. It was designed in the same style as the Pakkhús. It contains an exhibition hall, genealogy centre, library, offices and accommodation for scholars. The exhibition The Promised Land was first opened there.

In 2002, the New King’s Trading House was completed. It now hosts the exhibition Fields of Shining Gold. The building was constructed from old photographs and includes exhibition rooms and a multipurpose hall.

The Icelandic Emigration Centre today

The Icelandic Emigration Centre in Hofsós plays a key role in strengthening ties between Icelanders and the descendants of emigrants in North America. Many visitors have discovered relatives across the ocean. Interest in the history of emigration has grown. The centre preserves a shared cultural heritage and offers visitors a vivid insight into the lives of those who set out in search of a new beginning.