GMALL – Beyond Fire and Ice: What is Iceland?

(MANCHESTER, VT) Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) welcomes Williams College Professor Magnús T. Bernhardsson to talk about Iceland. The lecture will take place on Thursday, March 6 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in Yester House at Southern Vermont Arts Center and online via live stream. How has civilization been able to survive on a frozen tundra in the middle of the north Atlantic for over 1100 years? This lecture will explore the curious history of Iceland, a small and unimportant country, that despite, or because of its geographic isolation and lack of any valuable natural resources, has been able to develop a distinct national and cultural identity. What lessons can be drawn from the historical experiences of Icelanders? Why does the nation rank so high in gender equality and on the happiness index? What has been the impact of climate change on the fragile natural environment? How does a small nation act differently from big nations? And has anything of note ever happened in this country? Why should we care? This program will also be available online via live stream. Registration is $22 per person. For more information or to register, please call 802-867-0111 or visit our website at greenmtnacademy.org.