Objects from the home of Monika Helgadóttir, a mother of eight and farmer at Merkigil, are on display in the eastern gable room of the Áshús loft. The exhibition highlights the domestic environment and household items typical of Icelandic farms in the mid-20th century, while telling the story of a resourceful and industrious woman who managed her household during a time of great change, when frugality and ingenuity were essential.
Monika became nationally known when she was awarded the Order of the Falcon in 1953 for her remarkable achievements in farming under difficult conditions. She gained further recognition the following year with the publication of Guðmundur G. Hagalin’s book, The Woman in the Valley and Her Seven Daughters, which tells the story of her life. Many consider her a symbol of the Icelandic rural woman.