Descendants gather to honour Hannes Hafstein’s legacy

Descendants of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first minister, will gather at Hannesarholt on Friday to celebrate his legacy, mbl.is reports.

Hannes Þórður Hafstein Þorvaldsson and Kristína Lentz, both great-great-grandchildren of Hafstein, said they decided to bring relatives together after Lentz’s grandmother, Ragnheiður Lentz, died late this summer.

Ragnheiður had worried that Hafstein’s legacy was not sufficiently covered in schools, Hannes Þórður said. She felt his forward-thinking views and advocacy for human rights were not adequately recognised.

According to Kristína, nearly 500 people descend from Hafstein. She expects a large gathering, although not everyone will be able to attend.

Actress and descendant Þórunn Erna Clausen will host the event. Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir, founder of Hannesarholt, will give a talk. The programme will also include poetry, songs with lyrics by Hafstein, musical performances and talks by descendants, as well as light refreshments.

Hannesarholt, at Grundarstígur 10, is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.