| In February 2007, Diane Palmason,
Coordinator of the Blaine Icelandic Heritage
Society, described the formation of the Blaine
Icelandic Heritage Society (BIHS). "It began in a very Icelandic
way," she said, "as a modest desire to give hospitality to
visiting travelers."
Diane Palmason said the organization was born in 2004 when
local Icelandic descendants, Jerry Gay and Jana Peterson called
together all interested Icelandic descendants to form a
welcoming group for a contingent of Icelandic visitors touring
the North American settlement areas of Icelandic immigrants. An
informal group was formed and the visitors were warmly greeted.
The group continued to meet in Carl Westman's home and began
to focus on reviving the Icelandic Picnic at Peace Arch
International Park.
In 2005 Bob McDermott made a presentation to the
BIHS about his concept for a life-sized bronze sculpture
overlooking Drayton Harbor called "The Vigil." The sculpture
would feature a grandmother, mother and young boy looking out to
sea. It was intended to honor the mothers, wives and children
who waited for husbands, fathers and brothers to return from
their toils at sea. BIHS members eagerly participated in
promotion and fundraising for the project leading up to the
public dedication on October 14, 2006.
BIHS has subsequently hosted a
visiting Icelandic choir, a guest lecturer and the annual
Icelandic Picnic at the Peace Arch Park, in addition to
exploring our local Icelandic settlement history and keeping the
connection to our Icelandic roots alive.
Some Recent Activities and
Events of Interest:
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