Those who helped to create this deserved memorial also helped to preserve an exciting part of Manitoba's Icelandic history!
Friðrika Björnsdóttir was provided with a simple yet elegant memorial, and the funds raised allowed for:
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the completion of "The P's" mentioned above (see Notes below)
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the documentation of the project shared with historical societies and $100+ donors, and
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the preservation and recognition of Friðrika's story through additional heritage awareness.
Notes:
The Interpretative Panel ("P4") was installed at Riverton's Centennial Park.
A Heritage Designation ("P5"), has not (yet) been obtained.
Funding did not allow for the creation of a Maintenance Fund to preserve the restoration.
THE RESTORATION PROJECT
The following appeared with the 2016 launch of this website.
Since that time, changes have been made to the Icelandic River Heritage Sites website and the "Royal Grave" content is not currently available.
22 August 2023
(Scroll down for the latest updates)
Four Reasons to Memorialise Friðrika Björnsdóttir
Reason #1
She is (or is believed to be) a "royal" of New Iceland. Friðrika Björnsdóttir is said to be the Great-Grand-Daughter of King Frederick VI of Denmark, Norway and Iceland.
Reason #2
Currently, Friðrika Björnsdóttir is buried in an unmarked grave on the homestead known as “Árskógur”, in the Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton. Her grave is surrounded by a picket fence in desperate need of repair. It will be lost unless it is memorialised. As noted on the Icelandic River Heritage Sites website, ("The Royal Grave"), home burials were not only common at the time, they were a necessity, and the only option in the area at the time when Friðrika died.
Reason #3
“Friðrika represents the hardest period our kin has endured at any point in our North American saga,” as one relative stated.
Reason #4
The Project is part of the larger context of restoring the significant, historical personages and landmarks in the Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton, the Interlake and the Province of Manitoba.
Former Site
The 6 x P's of the Proposed New Site:
P1: Restore the 100 (ish) year old PICKET fence.
P2: Erect a PILLAR at the grave site.
P3: Arrange for a PROTECTIVE surround (fencing) for the PICKET fence and PILLAR.
P4: Install an Interpretative PANEL for PUBLIC viewing.
P5: PRESERVE through a Heritage Designation.
P6: PRESENT to the community at a dedication/unveiling PARTY on July 1, 2017!
Proposed Site
Takk (thanks) to Jónas Thorarinson
for his permissions and allowing this
Memorial Restoration Project to proceed.
