Iceland in Past, Present and Future,  July 27 - 31, 2009

Hrafnseyri, an old farm, is a distinguished place in the history of Iceland. It is the birthplace of Jón Sigurðsson (1811-1879), the principal champion of Iceland's struggle for independence in the 19th century. It also houses The Museum of Jón Sigurðsson. You will not find a better place to study about the country's struggle for independence, and the concept of a nation and nationalism in the past, and also in the present time of globalization. The beautiful scenery of Arnarfjörður, with its spectacular mountains and deep blue sea, where you may come across a seal, a whale or the colony of Common Eider and the Arctic tern, makes a perfect and a picturesque environment in which to study.

In close co-operation with the University Centre of Westfjords in Ísafjörður, the Museum of Jón Sigurðsson has been arranging summer courses at Hrafnseyri since 2006. Here, respected social scientists, such as Liah Greenfeldt, of the Boston University, and Ole Wæver, of the Copenhagen University, have lectured.

 

Valdimar Halldórsson
Director of the Museum of Jón Sigurðsson and Course Instructor