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, will deliver engaging talks and speak with guests. Documents and objects related to the evening’s lectures will also be on display.

17:30 – Doors open

18:00 – Helgi Biering: Jamestown – the shipwreck and the salvage
On 26 June 1881, the ship Jamestown was wrecked at Hvalsnes on the Reykjanes peninsula. The ship was enormous—likely among the largest ever to come to Iceland—and was loaded with timber of various types, including hardwood. But what impact did the wreck have on the Suðurnes region? What became of the cargo and the ship itself? Are any traces of the wreck still visible today? In his lecture, Helgi Biering discusses the ship’s history, the events leading up to the wreck, and its aftermath.

18:30 – Illugi Jökulsson: The wreck of Pourquoi-Pas? in 1936
One of the most famous maritime disasters off the coast of Iceland occurred in September 1936, when the French sailing vessel Pourquoi-Pas? was driven ashore at Mýrar during a stormy night. The ship was a research vessel that had undertaken many Arctic expeditions under the command of the renowned and admired French scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot. Forty members of the crew perished in the accident, including Charcot; only one man survived. The French greatly appreciated the efforts Icelanders made to rescue the crew, and afterward they sent various medals and honors in recognition. Countless stories arose about the wreck of Pourquoi-Pas?, as the event was dramatic in many ways. In his lecture, Illugi Jökulsson focuses particularly on the rescue operations and the interactions between the French and the Icelanders.

19:00 – Jóhanna Þ. Guðmundsdóttir: The wreck of the hospital ship Saint Paul at Meðalland in 1899
The French hospital ship Saint Paul was among the most impressive vessels to visit Icelandic waters before 1900. It was a three-masted sailing ship that ran aground on its third voyage to Iceland in 1899. The beautiful ship naturally attracted great attention as it lay stranded on the beach at Meðalland, an area often called Iceland’s ship graveyard. In her lecture, historian Jóhanna Þ. Guðmundsdóttir, Project Manager of Publications at the National Archives of Iceland, recounts the wreck, the rescue of the crew and valuables, and the auction of the salvaged goods, which was unusually large on this occasion. She also presents a variety of documents, letters, and accounts created in connection with the wreck and preserved at the National Archives.

19:30–21:00 – Introduction to the National Archives and exhibition of documents and objects related to the evening’s lectures

Guests are advised that access to the building is through the courtyard at Laugavegur 162, where visitor and staff parking is located. The entrance is on the right-hand side.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.