"Icelanders and their Connection to Utah and the West" Conference

The Hinckley Center Brigham Young University
The Hinckley Center, Brigham Young University, the site of the “Icelanders and their Connection to Utah” conference, September 9-13, 2015.

On September 9-13, 2015, a conference was held to commemorate and educate the public on the first Icelandic settlers in North America who arrived in Utah, September 1855. The conference was held at the Hinckley Center on the campus of Brigham Young University.

The Icelandic Memorial, Spanish Fork, Utah was dedicated on June 25, 2005. A similar monument was constructed in Iceland on the Westmann Island in 2000. (Photo Courtesy: Derek J. Tangren. )
The Icelandic Memorial, Spanish Fork, Utah was dedicated on June 25, 2005. A similar monument was constructed in Iceland on the Westmann Island in 2000. (Photo Courtesy: Derek J. Tangren. )

Dignitaries and political leaders from Iceland and Utah, scholars, students, and families were in attendance, and activities included the presentation of subject papers, a visit to the Family History Center, LDS Conference Center, Temple Square, This is the Place Heritage Park, Church History Library and Church History Museum in Salt Lake.  “The Findings of the Icelanders to Utah Project” included a presentation by BYU Professor Fred Woods and Icelander LDS Church member and researcher, Kari Bjharnason, and the showing of a documentary, “Fire on Ice.”  The first Icelandic Utah settlers helped colonize Spanish Fork and activities included a visit to selected community historic sites and an address by Steve Leifson, mayor of Spanish Fork.  Special Icelandic entertainment was also scheduled throughout the conference.

The ship “Camoens” late 19th century. This ship brought Latter-day Saints across the ocean who were immigrating to Utah.
The ship “Camoens” late 19th century. This ship brought Latter-day Saints across the ocean who were immigrating to Utah. (Photo Courtesy: National Museum of Iceland)

The Mormon Historic Sites Foundation is pleased to help sponsor this activity as it relates to other associated activities the Foundation has sponsored. Also, refer to Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland Folk Museum under “Past Projects/Other” and Icelandic Memorial, Spanish Fork, Utah under “Past Projects/Utah.”

 

Video

Presentation

Fire on Ice: The Story of Icelandic Latter-day
Saints at Home and Abroad

Presented by Fred Woods

https://history.lds.org/article/pioneers-in-every-land-fred-woods?lang=eng

Articles & Resources

Sp. Fork Celebrates Icelandic Heritage

FullSizeRender

FullSizeRender (1)