9th February 2026
9th February 2026
Pourquoi-Pas?, Jamestown and Skt. Paul on Museum Night
Around 50 guests visited the National Archives of Iceland on Museum Night, Friday 6 February, where they listened to lectures and viewed objects related to the evening’s theme, which this time was shipwrecks around Iceland.
Among other things, guests were able to view a certificate of honour and a medal awarded to Captain Þórður Sigurðsson for his role in the rescue operation following the grounding of the French research vessel Pourquoi-Pas? in 1936. Also on display was an auction ledger from the wreck of the sailing ship Jamestown, which was lost off Hvalsnes on the Reykjanes Peninsula on 26 June 1881, along with documents, accounts, and letters created in connection with the wreck of the French hospital ship Saint Paul in 1899. On a screen, visitors could also explore records of shipwrecks along the coasts of Iceland during the period from 1899 to 1910.
The programme featured informative lectures by Helgi Biering, folklorist and archivist; Illugi Jökulsson, journalist, broadcaster, and author; and Jóhanna Þ. Guðmundsdóttir, historian and project manager of publications at the National Archives of Iceland. Their talks addressed the fate of the ships, the circumstances leading up to the wrecks, and the impact these events had on nearby communities. In addition, rescue operations, salvaged wreckage, and the wide variety of documents, letters, and artefacts preserved at the National Archives of Iceland were discussed. Lively and engaging discussions followed the presentations. Further information about the lectures can be found here.
After the formal programme concluded, guests were invited to explore the archives further, talk with the speakers, and examine documents and artefacts related to the shipwrecks.
We warmly thank all our guests for attending Museum Night!
Ólafur Arnar Sveinsson
Helgi Biering
Jóhanna Þ. Guðmundsdóttir
Illugi Jökulsson