A Village Becomes a Town – History, Memories and Nostalgia
The Hafnarfjörður Folk Museum opened a new themed exhibition in the foyer of the Packhouse at 6 Vesturgata last week. The exhibition, entitled „A Village Becomes a Town, Hafnarfjörður 1960–1975', deals with the population growth of Hafnarfjörður during the years 1960–1975, its effects and the changes. The opening of the exhibition was well attended, and Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, the Mayor of Hafnarfjörður, gave a speech on the occasion.
An intriguing show that could evoke nostalgia
The Hafnarfjörður Folk Museum opened a new themed exhibition in the foyer of the Packhouse at 6 Vesturgata last week. The exhibition, entitled „A Village Becomes a Town, Hafnarfjörður 1960–1975', deals with the population growth of Hafnarfjörður during the years 1960–1975, its effects and the changes. The atmosphere of the 1960s and 1970s permeates the exhibition space, where a living room and a teenager's bedroom have been recreated to resemble the block flats being built at the time, with various intriguing details that evoke a sense of nostalgia in visitors. The exhibition opening was well attended, and Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, the Mayor of Hafnarfjörður, gave a speech on the occasion.
About the exhibition
There was a pressing need for the development of new housing estates, an increase in schools from one to three, improved sports facilities and expanded youth work, which left their mark on the town. A great deal of emphasis was placed on industrial development, and a considerable number of industrial plots were allocated. The biggest change came when the Icelandic Aluminium Company, “ÍSAL', was established within the town limits, and a smelter was built in its wake, which was a major boost to industry in Hafnarfjörður. As the town grew, journeys became longer, creating a need for an intra-town bus service, and the Kauptún Hafnarfjarðar's co-operative delivery van served the town's residents. Alongside these changes, there was a need for improved street lighting and tarmac surfacing. One of the major issues on the minds of the town's residents at this time was the development of a district heating system in the town, due to the rise in oil prices. Construction of the geothermal district heating system began in 1974, and the first house, Miðvangur 114, was connected a year later in August.
Come to the museum this summer!
Í Hafnarfjörður Museum of Local History There are 7 exhibitions to be found: Pakkhúsið, Sívertsen House, the Bookless Bungalow, Siggubær, Beggubúð, Gúttó and on Strandstígninn. Admission to all exhibitions is free, and they are open from 11 am to 5 pm every day of the week from 1 June to 31 August.