Society History

 

The Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society was formed in 1974 in Markerville .The majority of the charter members had connections to the Icelandic pioneers of the community. Our membership of over 100 families, in 2009, has spread far and wide from this community and beyond Icelandic heritage.

Our Society Mission Statement : To preserve and interpret history and to promote culture and community fellowship

Our first major project was the vision and support of the restoration of the Stephansson homestead which became  provincially owned and operated . It officially opened in August ,1982 as Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site. Our most recent acquisition is the Tindastoll cemetery. The latest  ongoing project is the Markerville church restoration.

In 1986 theS.G.S. Icelandic Society completed the restoration of the Markerville Creamery now an  historic museum and 2006 completed the restoration of the Fensala Hall. Both these century old buildings are owned and operated by the society. These facilities are places generating community spirit, local jobs and services as well as promoting tourism and cultural awareness.

Provincial Historic Resource designation for the Markerville Lutheran Church is now pending ,a title to which the other two buildings have acquired. These historic buildings being on their original sites and in close proximity to each other have led to the idea called "Your Markerville Event" where people can rent or have access to the Creamery,Church and Fensala Hall for their weddings, family reunions, group tours,catered meals and more.

The S.G.S.I.S . celebrates over 35 years of heritage preservation, an awesome record of volunteer involvement, mixed with  much fellowship and sharing of individual talents. Keeping these buildings available and in good repair is good stewardship of the resources and heartfelt priorities that were established over 100 years ago by our ancestries who made Canada their home.