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
UMRA’s Fourth Friday Book Club (aka UMRA Book Club II) will discuss the Pulitzer Prize-winning debut novel by Jhumpa Lahiri when it meets at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 23, via Zoom. The nine short stories in the collection speak to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.
Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.
Join Leader Neal Gale for the November 2 hike in the heart of Minneapolis’ Minnehaha Falls – Mississippi River area.
Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants.
How much do the experiences of our earliest years shape who we become — and even our physical health — decades later? For more than 50 years, University of Minnesota researchers have been exploring that question through the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation. In this UMRA Living Well Workshop, Professor Jeffry Simpson, PhD, will draw on findings from the study to explore the connections between our earliest relationships and our health later in life.
The theme for November is "Hands"
Join us for breakfast and discussion about this year's election results.
UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.
Gift planning strategies and ideas for impactful tax-efficient gifts to accomplish your goals.
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Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney.
Consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.
Join us as we navigate the trails at the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge Education and Visitor Center.
The theme for December is "Pathways and roadways."
"Landscape" is the theme of the UMRA Photo Club meeting on Tuesday, January 12.