An Icelandic saga
Pat presented her genealogy research findings and travel experiences in Iceland, where she traced her ancestors back to the 1200s and visited significant historical locations. The presentation included detailed descriptions of her journey through various Icelandic regions, including the West Fjords and Reykjavik, while exploring family history connections and cultural landmarks. Pat shared her experiences with Icelandic landscapes, driving conditions, and encounters with local residents, while also discussing the challenges and highlights of her genealogical research and travel photography.
An Icelandic saga
Wed, Jan 21, 2026, 10am
When you are of Icelandic descent you can trace your ancestors back to around 1200 and sometimes further. The trip Pat Brennecke and her sister took last summer was to the farms in far northwestern Iceland where their Ancestors. In addition to pictures and experiences, Pat will also share family history aspects of their trip. Learn how the Icelandic roots database provides information on Icelandic ancestors and the maps where they were located.
Note: This meeting will be joint with UMRA's Family History Interest Group program.
A Zoom invitation will be sent to all UMRA members one month and again one week before the program. We hope you can join us.
—Lynn C. Anderson, Armchair Traveler program chair
Upcoming Events
"Third Wednesdays in the West Wing" is a pilot program for spring 2026.
The UMRA Breakfast meeting on Thursday, April 16, will be a discussion of technology for older adults: what works best, what is confusing, and what are the best resources for seeking help.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean when it meets via Zoom on Friday, April 17. Diane Madson-Kay will lead the discussion.
On April 20, we will welcome guest leaders Bion Beebe and Linda Bjornberg from Twin Cities Hiking Meetup, to show us their favorite trails from the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge trailhead in Bloomington.
The satisfaction of eating food that you grow or tending a plant that gives you beauty is nourishing in every way. And, according to Terry Straub, the guest speaker for UMRA’s April 21 workshop, we can have this satisfaction throughout our lives, our changing abilities, and wherever we live.
Across 15 years, Ilene Dawn Alexander has made at least a dozen visits to England and Wales, all with longer sojourns in Manchester and Liverpool. Each journey has disproved the dismissive description of Manchester as “the armpit of England.” Join UMRA’s Armchair Traveler program on April 22 to learn what Alexander has discovered what these outside-of-London cities have to offer.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the shiny walls of the Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus? What its mission is, and how the museum staff and its collections relate with our community? Join us for UMRA’s April 28 luncheon forum at Midland Hills and hear Weisman Art Director Alejandra Peña Gutiérrez explain it all.
May 4 is a beautiful Urban hike around Minneapolis’ Cedar and Brownie Lakes.
Join us for the Doors Open Minneapolis photo shoot.
Family history with Craig Moody. A tale with many dead ends.
Peter Moe, retired University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Director and UMRA member, will lead this hike.
Third Wednesdays in the West Wing" is a pilot program for spring 2026.
Bev leads at Hyland Lake Park Reserve.
Abandoned and discarded is the theme for the UMRA Photo Club meeting in June. Newcomers are welcome.
Michael leads this hike at Afton State Park.