A sign reading "Pompei" points the way to an area destroyed by volcanic eruption on Iceland's Heimaey Island in 1973. The eruption left one person dead and prompted the evacuation of dozens of families.
Tamara Hinson
Resilient spirit —
Most people displaced by the volcano's 1973 eruption returned to settle closer to Heimaey's main town of Vestmannaeyjar.
Tamara Hinson
Preservationists —
The Eldheimar museum (meaning "worlds of fire") is built around a cottage that was engulfed in ash. It was discovered after archeological excavations.
Tamara Hinson
Back from extinction —
This serene view from Eldfell volcano in Iceland belies the volcano's dramatic history. Eldfell was thought to be extinct before suddenly erupting in 1973.
Rebecca Williams
New museum —
Inside the excavated house -- which opened to the public in May 2014 -- waterfalls of ash have preserved lampshades, tablecloths and curtains.
Tamara Hinson
Ruined homes —
The town of Vestmannaeyjar was saved from Eldfell's lava by using seawater to stop the flow, but not all structures survived.
Rebecca Williams
Banks of ash —
On boat rides around the Iceland's Heimaey Island, visitors pass towering banks of ash sloping down to the sea.
