Hans Christian Andersen

America Letter THE DANISH IMMIGRANT MUSEUM An International Cultural Center Winter 2005 BOX 470 • ELK HORN, IOWA 51531 Vol. XVIII, No. 4 1805-2005 - The Bicentennial of Hans Christian Andersen’s Birth Exhibits, story-telling, a confer- ries, rose to prominence and found this anniversary year with readings of ence and a tour are ways The Danish success. While he is best remembered some of Andersen’s lesser known even- Immigrant Museum is celebrating the for his stories, (some 190 in all), he tyr. These can be heard during the week bicentennial of the following the fi rst Tuesday of each birth of one of the month by visiting the Museum’s world’s most be- website and clicking on the link to loved storytellers, radio station KJAN. Hans Christian An exhibit of prints and pho- Andersen. Born tographs depicting scenes from to a poor couple favorite stories are on view in the in Odense, Den- Museum’s lower level throughout mark, on April the year. This exhibit features work 2, 1805, Ander- by Danish artists Svend Otto S. sen, like so many and Mads Stage and photographer characters in his Frederik Johs. Matted or framed well-known sto- copies of exhibited works are available in the Museum Shop and on-line. Through a generous gift from former Board member Dennis Andersen of Atlanta, Georgia, The fi rst gained fame for Danish Immigrant Museum will be a his poems, novels and national sponsor of Hans Christian travel accounts. It was Andersen on Parade. This tour features his eventyr or “tales a performance by twenty-four Danish of wonder” that made actors who represent favorite Andersen Andersen immortal! characters. Tour stops include New The Danish Immigrant York, Boston, Chicago, Omaha, and Museum has opened its Des Moines, as well as Elk Horn and year-long celebration of Kimballton, Iowa! Culminating the year’s celebration is the Museum’s co- sponsorship of a major conference Danish Cul- Artwork by Danish artists ture, Past and Present depicting favorite Andersen the Last 200 Years. The tales is on exhibit this year at conference will be held the Museum. Among the prints at the Embassy Suites exhibited, from top to bottom, Hotel in Des Moines, Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, Iowa, from October 13- and the Nightingale. – continued on page 2 Director’s Corner By John Mark founded in 2002 and the Daneville Nielsen Heritage Museum founded last year As I travel the in Viborg, South Dakota, focus on the country, visiting history of important Danish American members and po- settlements. tential support- The central challenge for The Dan- ers, I more fully ish Immigrant Museum is to support appreciate both and serve this diverse and widely scat- the challenges tered community. To do so, we must and the opportunities facing The Dan- think strategically and creatively as we ish Immigrant Museum. Our history is look to the future. We must be open to diverse, our communities are scattered, possibilities of partnering with other and the population of Danish Americans organizations and institutions without and Danes living in the United States is compromising the standards of caring for relatively small. Each community and the over 35,000 artifacts that have been Danish American organization has its entrusted to us. We must explore new Annual own history and identity of which it is technologies and develop creative ways justifiably proud. of reaching out with traveling exhibits Recently, I had the privilege of and program resources to communities Christmas speaking to the Scandinavian American across the country. Association of Washington D.C. and I am pleased that the Board of Direc- Card Wins meeting with the staff of the American tors has embarked on a strategic planning Scandinavian Foundation at Scandinavia process. Important to me, and I believe Award House in New York City. These visits to our membership, is that members have On Saturday, January 22, 2005 at the followed trips to the Pacific Northwest done so, not by going out and hiring a Annual “Excellence in Printing Banquet” and the Southwest as well as speaking consultant firm, but by drawing on the held at the Des Moines Hilton Inn Garden engagements in small communities like proven experience of board members Hotel, Garner Printing was very proud Tyler, Minnesota, and Ringsted, Iowa. who have been professionally involved to accept the first place Gold Award for It is easy to conclude that the Danish in strategic planning. I am also impressed Greeting Cards. Garner had submitted American community is divided into that we have on our Board of Directors The Danish Immigrant Museum’s 2004 regions each with a different center of members who, at their own expense, are Christmas Card designed by Audubon activity. willing to make major commitments in resident, Lorraine Larsen, into the Greeting Card Division for Judging of Our history and the institutions that time and their own financial resources the Des Moines Club of Printing House represent the Danish American commu- in meeting monthly to plan for our fu- Craftsmen. The Card Division was open nity are varied. The Danish Brotherhood ture. state-wide to all the members of the in America founded by Mark Hansen in We cannot be reminded too often Craftsmen Club. The judges oversee- Omaha in 1882, the American Scandina- that members of our Board of Directors ing the competition were from printing vian Foundation founded in New York receive NO reimbursement for their companies in Kansas City, Omaha and City in 1910 by the Danish American service and they pay ALL the costs of Cedar Falls. Copies of the Award will be industrialist, Niels Poulsen, and The attending board meetings three times a presented to the Museum at a later date. Rebild National Park Society founded year. In addition, many of them make Kudos to Museum Shop Manager, Jan in 1912 by Max Henius in Chicago have sizeable annual contributions as well. Paulsen, for her hard work and attention had local lodges or chapters that have These are individuals who are devoted to detail in producing this award winning spanned the country. Today many of to working on your behalf in fulfilling Christmas Card! the local chapters and lodges struggle to the mission of The Danish Immigrant maintain or attract younger members. Museum. Those of us who support The Dan- I appreciate that many of you sup- ish Immigrant Museum recognize there port other organizations and institutions are museums that serve local or re- that have been important to the Danish Hans Christian gional populations. Elverhoj Museum in American community. I encourage you Solvang, California, tells the rich history to continue that support. I am also grate- Andersen . . . – continued from page 1 of the Danes in the Santa Inez Valley of ful that you have chosen to support The Southern California. The Nordic Heri- Danish Immigrant Museum as well. I 15, 2005, and will include presentations tage Museum of Seattle, Washington, invite you to continue that support as we on Andersen. founded in 1980 celebrates the history of strive to be “your Museum in the Heart For more information on any of these Scandinavians in the Pacific Northwest. of the Continent.” events, please contact the Museum at Two newcomers, The Danish American 1-800-759-9192. Cultural Center of Danevang, Texas, 2 Canadian Danes to America Letter Meet at the Museum Published Three Times Annually By The Danish Immigrant Museum The Danish Immigrant Museum, expansion in the United States, Danish 2212 Washington, POBox 470 Dana College, and the Danish American immigrant history, wind technology, and Elk Horn, Iowa 51531 Heritage Society are hosting the 24th an- Missouri River ecology. There will also 712-764-7001 800-759-9192 nual meeting of the Federation of Danish be sessions focusing on the history and FAX 712-764-7002 Associations in Canada on May 26th work of The Danish Immigrant Museum www.danishmuseum.org email: [email protected] through June 1st. Meetings will take and the Danish Immigrant Archive-Dana place on the Dana College campus in College. Board of Directors Blair, Nebraska, with an all-day tour to Seminar participants will also take President - Vern Hunter, Fargo, ND The Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk tours to Fort Atkinson State Historical Vice-President - Kai Nyby, La Porte, IN Horn, Iowa, on Saturday, May 28th. Park, the Mormon Trail Center, DeSoto Secretary - Julie Jorgensen, Wayzata, MN Treasurer - Clark Mathisen, Omaha, NE On Thursday and Friday, May 26th Bend National Wildlife Refuge and Birgit Andersen, Ithaca, NY and 27th, the Federation and the Danish Bertrand Steamboat Museum. Egon Bodtker, Salem, OR Canadian National Museum Society will For further information concerning Ronald Bro, Parkersburg, IA be holding their annual board and general the annual meeting and seminar of the Dr. Borge M. Christensen, Tucson, AZ meetings at the College. Meetings will Federation of Danish Associations in Carlo Christensen, Glendale, CA Lois Christensen, Elk Horn, IA conclude on Sunday, May 29th, with a Canada, please contact The Danish Im- Thomas Christensen, Bettendorf, IA church service and luncheon. migrant Museum, Box 470; Elk Horn, Anne-Marie Douglas, Chicago, IL Beginning on Sunday afternoon, the Iowa 51531; telephone: 1-800-759-9192; Dr. Gordon R. Esbeck, Tipton, IA Federation will hold its annual seminar. email: [email protected] Thomas Hansen, Blair, NE Sessions will focus on the westward Erna Jensen, Des Moines, IA Harold M. Jensen, Ames, IA Dagmar Muthamia, Long Beach, CA Benedikte Olesen, Eugene, OR Curt Pedersen, Tucson, AZ Marc L. Petersen, Omaha, NE Anelise Sawkins, Minneapolis, MN Out with the Old, Linda Sloth-Gibbs, Yuma, AZ Ex-Offi cio Dennis Larson: Decorah, IA In with the New Staff Keeping pace with a rapidly chang- dramatic increase. Executive Director: Dr. John Mark Nielsen, ing computer technology is not an easy The Nyby name is no stranger to the [email protected] thing to do. Programming and equipment Museum. Folmer and Vera’s names are General Information & Inquiries About become outdated in a very short time inscribed on The Lifetime Leadership Volunteering: [email protected] and it is cost prohibitive to maintain up- Society plaque, The Heritage Builders Group & Special Tours: Terri Johnson, dates. The Danish Immigrant Museum’s plaque, and The Wall of Honor bears [email protected] Wall of Honor, Donations, Memorial Gifts archaic computer technology had almost Folmer’s name and Vera’s parents’ name. & Memberships: Deb Larsen, come to the point of a non-functional use Needless to say, the staff at the Museum [email protected] as it had not seen an upgrade in many would like to take this opportunity to Bookkeeping & Financial Inquiries: Jenni- years. But, all of that has changed thanks extend their heartfelt thanks and appre- fer Winters, [email protected] to the generosity and vision of Folmer ciation!!! Donations of Artifacts & Exhibit Questions: and Vera Nyby of Michigan City, Indi- Barbara Lund-Jones, M.Phil, ana. [email protected] Past Donations & Museum Loans: The Nyby’s have graciously given Angela Stanford, M.A., an investment designated for a complete [email protected] renovation of the Museum’s computer Museum Shop: Jan Paulsen, system. Each staff person’s workstation [email protected] proudly boasts having new high-tech Donation of Books & Library Questions: computer towers, fl at screen monitors, Michele McNabb, MLS, and the most recent museum program- [email protected] Genealogical & Translation Inquiries: ming software installed. Additionally, a [email protected] shared network link was made between Volunteer Coordinator: Joyce Petersen the Family History and Genealogy Cen- Custodian: Tim Fredericksen ter and the Museum. The productivity and effi ciency of the staff has seen a

3 Folmer and Vera Nyby Holocaust Survivor Challenges Students to Consider Acts of Moral Courage Judy Meisel, who as a young have been invited to participate in girl survived Stutthof Concentra- an essay contest. In their essays, tion Camp and was nursed back students are to explore an historical to health in Denmark following act of courage and then link their World War II, spoke to over 600 example to situations faced today. high school students at Audubon, Based on the experience of this Harlan and Elk Horn-Kimballton year’s contest, the Museum hopes High Schools. Her visit on Novem- to expand this project to include ber 10th and 11th to The Danish Im- students in Danish American com- migrant Museum and area schools munities around the country. is part of our effort to expand the The Museum wishes to acknowl- Museum’s audience. edge and express its gratitude to the In preparation for Meisel’s Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable visit, the Museum sponsored a Trust of Glenview, Illinois, for workshop for area teachers that providing the funding that has focused on using the Danish ex- received a “toolkit” that contained Tak for made these activities possible. perience in World War II as a way of Alt as well as other teaching resources, Museum members may borrow a teaching about the holocaust and making including books, study guides and vid- DVD or VHS version of the film Tak moral decisions. At the workshop, Tak eos. for Alt, the film documenting Meisel’s for Alt (Thank You for Everything), a These activities were all in prepara- story and expressing her appreciation film about Meisel’s wartime experi- tion for a pilot project the Museum has to the Danes for restoring her faith in ences and her involvement in the Civil initiated during the spring of 2005. High humanity. It is available by calling the Rights Movement here in this country, school students in Atlantic, Audubon, Museum at 1-800-759-9192. was shown. Participating schools also Elk Horn-Kimballton, Exira and Harlan

Celebrating 100 Years of the Danish Christmas Seals Conrad Pedersen of St. Paul, proposed by Einar Holbøll Minnesota has graciously made his (1865-1927), a Danish personal collection of Danish Christmas postal clerk, who was Seals available for this commemorative deeply involved in work exhibition. Initially his collection was with charitable societies. mounted in wooden frames made by his As a postal clerk, the father. The frames varied somewhat huge volumes of Christmas from year-to-year in terms of the woods mail that Holbøll processed, used and their manner of construction. led him to realize the finan- of these buildings, the Christmas Seal As his collection grew, Conrad sought cial potential inherent in a Sanatorium near Kolding, was completed to make its presentation more uniform. special issue holiday seal affixed to letters in 1910 and was committed to the care of He commissioned the Minnesota-based and packages as a goodwill gesture. He children suffering from tuberculosis. Danish American framing company, Juhl envisioned such revenue as a means to Over time, the Christmas Seal Homes Pacific, to evaluate and recommend an assist ill children. addressed a range of illnesses and appropriate presentation. The results of Holbøll’s proposal was received with handicaps in children, including learn- that collaboration are presented here for interest and a Christmas Seal Committee ing disabilities and emotional problems. the viewer’s pleasure. was appointed to set up and administer Additionally, grants from the Christmas Christmas Seals, now popular the program. Over the years, the Com- Seal funds were extended to a number worldwide and issued in numerous mittee achieved remarkable results. A of organizations whose missions focused countries, originated in Denmark in series of Christmas Seal Homes were on children with special needs. 1904. The idea for the Seal was first established to help children. The first

4 Danish Culture, Past and Present: The Last 200 Years

Christian Andersen Parade, featuring 24 of the globalization of Danish cinema. actors dressed as Andersen characters. The recent documentary, “The Danish Since 2005 marks the 150th anniver- Solution,” about the rescue of the Dan- sary of Søren Kierkegaard’s death, there ish Jews in 1943 will be introduced by will be a session featuring Denmark’s its maker, Karen Cantor. foremost Kierkegaard scholar, Professor Danish and Danish American art, Joakim Garff, University of Copenhagen, painting, and sculpture will be explored and by Dr. Gordon Marino, Director of from several angles by Dr. Philip Conis- the Hong Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf bee, Curator of European Collections at The Danish Immigrant Museum is College. the National Gallery in Washington D.C., pleased to be a co-sponsor of an exciting Other important contributors to Dan- as well as Dr. Lea Rosson DeLong, and conference celebrating the bicentennial ish culture will also be discussed. Three Dr. J.R.Christianson. of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen speakers will offer differing perspec- Finally, music, including a one- and Danish culture over the past 200 tives on NFS Grundtvig as prophet and woman show, a piano recital by Dr. Solon years. The conference will be held on Oc- reformer. Professor Marianne Stecher- Pierce, and a musical presentation with tober 13-15, 2005 at the Embassy Suites Hansen, University of Washington, and sing along of Danish songs by composer and Grand View College in Des Moines, Linda Donelson, MD, from Iowa City, Joy Ibsen, will also delight and instruct Iowa. Organized and sponsored by the will share the podium to discuss Karen the attendees. Danish American Heritage Society, this Blixen, alias Isak Dinesen. Author Karin Plan now to attend this exciting con- conference follows in the footsteps of the Michaelis will be explored by author- ference and look for more information successful conference held in Omaha in lecturer Merete von Eyben from Los soon. 2002. Other conference co-sponsors are Angeles. Grand View College, Dana College and 2005 is also the 150th anniversary the Danish Immigrant Archive-Dana of the birth of Kristian Østergaard, an College. important Danish American author and Over forty presenters will participate, the poet who wrote the lyrics for the with individuals coming from Odense Grand View College anthem. He and and Copenhagen, Denmark, and from other Danish American writers will be across the United States. Featured will be discussed in several sessions. Jan Paulsen several presentations on Hans Christian Professor Palle Pedersen from Iowa Andersen, including “Hans Christian State University will answer his ques- Named to Iowa Andersen in Musical Translation,” and tion: “What can we learn from Danish Group Travel an interesting perspective on the great farmers?” And a major development in Danish storyteller by Torben Grøngaard contemporary Danish culture, Danish Association Board Jeppesen, Director of Odense Museums. cinema, will be illustrated at Grand View The conference will conclude with a College with the screening of three re- Museum Shop Manager, Jan Paulsen banquet and a performance by the Hans cent Danish movies and an exploration has been elected to serve as Secre- tary and Director at-large for the Iowa Group Travel As- sociation. When Jan first worked at the Renewed Strategic Museum 10 years ago, she managed the gift shop and Planning Process was also the Tour- In 1998, the Board of Directors goals, other areas were unable to meet ism Coordinator. adopted a Five-Year Strategic Plan that the goals that were set. Most glaring was Since that time she was annually updated by staff. After the inability to achieve the projections served as Tourism assuming the position of Executive Di- for membership growth. Furthermore, Coordinator for the Danish Windmill rector in July 2003, John Mark Nielsen Nielsen found that strategic planning and currently holds that same spot at reviewed the plan with staff and found was not central to building the annual Audubon County. Jan brings a wealth that the reality of the Museum’s situation budgets. of experience, ideas and enthusiasm to was much different than what had been At the June 2004 board meeting in her new post so her 10+ years experience in the tourism industry was just what assumed when the plan was adopted. – continued on page 6 While the curatorial staff was able to the IGTA was looking for to fill their make progress in meeting the adopted 5 vacancy. Congratulations, Jan! From A Curatorial Perspective . . . by Barbara Lund-Jones In this column, I am using a photograph to share a remarkable story from the Northern Plains. The photo dates from 1932 and depicts a vignette from a play celebrating the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The setting is the Cleveland School in rural Ransom County, North Dakota in the southeastern part of the state. As you can see from a close study of the photograph, a large, life-size frame draped with American flags dominates the background. Posed in the frame, standing at attention and dressed as George Washington with his hands on his sword, is the principal of the school. Four young schoolgirls sit by the frame, two on either side. In the foreground are four young boys. All of the children are dressed in period costume; each of them wears a curly white wig characteristic of the period. In addition to being an interesting sheep, which Lydia caught and sheared penhagen, Denmark to New York City in study in and of itself, this photograph herself for this play. 1922. In 1924, she left the city to marry documents one of the many projects of Henri Fugl, Lydia’s husband, orga- Henri Fugl, a widowed Danish immigrant a Danish immigrant couple who farmed nized large gatherings of Danish Ameri- with three young daughters. She joined in rural Ransom County. This couple, cans annually during the later 1930’s in him on his farm in rural Ransom County, Henri Fugl and his wife Lydia Palmvig the area of Lisbon, North Dakota. His North Dakota. The two of them were Fugl, were the creative force behind is a remarkable story and has been told very active in rural community life and this play honoring George Washington. elsewhere. In this column, I want to initiated many projects and activities. Henri Fugl built the sets. Lydia Fugl share with you the story of Lydia Palmvig When 4-H was introduced to the made the costumes. The wigs were made Fugl, who was quite remarkable in her Ransom County area in the 1930’s, Lydia from the newly shorn wool of the Fugl’s own right. Lydia emigrated from Co- became the first leader of the local girl’s 4-H club, a position that she held for many years. The club was called the Cleveland Cookies and meetings were Planning Process . . . – continued from page 5 held after school in the Fugl home. After Elk Horn, Iowa, Nielsen asked that a had corporate planning experience with school was over, 24 girls would walk the renewed effort be made to develop a General Electric), Lois Christensen, Vern mile from their Cleveland school to the realistic and on-going strategic planning Hunter, Harold Jensen, Clark Mathisen, Fugl’s farm. After eating a hearty din- process, one that was flexible enough John Mark Nielsen, and Kai Nyby. Marc ner, the girls, led by Lydia Fugl, became to adapt to changing realities and yet Petersen, a native of Elk Horn, who involved in lessons and demonstrations providing focus and direction for deci- worked for Arthur Andersen and North- that embraced cooking, table setting sion making. At the meeting, rather than ern Natural Gas before joining Tenasko, and serving projects and bed making retaining a consulting firm, the Board a diversified energy services company, demonstrations. charged Nielsen to prepare a proposed agreed to chair the committee. But the most remarkable aspect of the planning process to be presented at the The Strategic Planning Committee club’s activities was their folk dancing. October 2004 board meeting. has met monthly and will be updating Lydia trained the girls in folk dancing After reading widely and visit- the Board of Directors on its progress at and made costumes for them. They ing with directors from a number of the winter meeting in Tucson, Arizona, in danced Danish folk dances, as well as museums, most notably the Executive February. Proposals, some of which may some dances from other countries. A Director of Vesterheim Museum in be rather significant, will be presented at number of the girls were dressed as male Decorah, Nielsen proposed a planning the June meeting in Seattle, Washington. folk dancers so as to make possible a full process that the Board agreed to pursue. Following that meeting the Board looks range of performance. The dancers ini- The Board of Directors established a forward to sharing the proposal with tially performed at local 4-H achievement Strategic Planning Committee consist- members and donors. day but as their popularity grew, they ing of Borge M. Christiansen (who has 6 – continued on page 7 Perspective . . . – continued from page 6 made a number of appearances. They came to the attention of both state and national 4-H leaders. The folk dancers of Cleveland Cookies won praise from many sources. In 1939, Lydia founded the Cleve- land Folk Dancers, a distinct folk dancing group. Drawing upon her Danish girlhood, Lydia Fugl sought to bring meaningful activities to the girls of rural Ransom County. Lydia organized an ex- ercise club of 12 girls. She designed and made one-piece white uniforms for them. The group performed calisthenics and grand marches. They performed widely at schools, county fairs and achievement days. Lydia Palmvig Fugl gave generously of her time and creativity. She was named outstanding local leader in 4-H Home Economics for Ransom County. Museum representatives greet visitors to Minot’s Høstfest (from left to right) She received county, state and national Michele McNabb, FHGC Librarian; Vern Hunter, President of the Board of Di- recognition for her leadership in activi- rectors; Tina Wittorff, Danish Intern from Aaborg University; and Deb Larsen, ties for rural girls. Development Associate. I have been able to share Lydia’s story with our readers because of family papers Sharing the Warmth in North Dakota and memorabilia given to the Museum Thousands of spectators from across The Museum provided “handouts” by her daughter, Esther Fugl Frost. Ms. the United States, Canada and abroad with instructions for making the tradi- Frost’s gifts included the photograph ac- visited Minot, North Dakota for the 2004 tional papirklip ornaments and paper companying this column, a scrapbook of Norsk Høstfest, held between October 7th stars. These were so popular, additional the 4-H activities, several photographs of and 10th. This year’s theme was “Share sheets had to be printed during the event. the folk dancers at various performances the Warmth.” The Danish Immigrant Tina and Deb, who were dressed in folk and a costume vest worn by one of the Museum also participated with a display costumes, helped make the booth an at- young girls when they assumed a male entitled “Share the Warmth of a Danish traction by demonstrating how to make folk dancing role. Christmas.” Representing the Museum’s staff were Michele McNabb, Deb Larsen, – continued on page 8 and Tina Wittorff. Visitors learned about the only Admission & Hours national Danish museum in America, Admission (Includes Bedstemor’s House) our many exhibits, and our outstanding Current Museum Members: genealogy and research center. The staff FREE with Membership Card encouraged those with Danish heritage, Non-Members: Adults, $5; especially the younger generation, to $ Children (ages 8-17), 2 celebrate the rich traditions of a Danish Museum Hours Christmas. Mon.-Fri.: 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Sat.: 10:00 am- To compliment the booth’s theme, 5:00 pm ; Sun.: 12:00 noon-5:00 pm four, miniature Christmas trees were Business Hours decorated, each adorned for a specific Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm place and time. The first pair represented Family History & Genealogy Cen- Christmas trees from 1900, one from a ter Hours May-Oct.: Tues., Wed., Fri., 9:00 am-5:00 pm Danish home, the other from a Danish 1st & 3rd Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm American home. The second pair dem- Nov.-April: Tues., Wed., Fri.: 10 am-4 pm onstrated trees from 2000; again one Other Times By Appointment illustrating the decorations of a Danish All facilities are closed on New Year’s Day, tree, the other of a Danish American Michele McNabb assists a guest with Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving & Christmas. tree. (Local weather conditions may cause family research at Høstfest. occasional closures.) 7 A Dane stopped by... by Tina Wittorff Once upon a time in a little kingdom far, far away there was a young girl who wanted to go on an adventure. This could very well have been the beginning of a fairytale by Hans Christian An- dersen, but as it turns out it happens to be MY story! You were introduced to me in the last America Letter, but to those of you who don’t “Share the Warmth of a Danish Christmas” was the theme of the Museum’s know me, I have been interning at The display at Høstfest. Danish Immigrant Museum for the past 5 months. I’m a Master student currently finishing my program in Tourism Studies Sharing the Warmth . . . – continued from page 6 at Aalborg University in Denmark. the ornaments. Their picture and a story information about their families. This When I first started talking about appeared on the front page of the Minot proved very popular. interning at The Danish Immigrant Mu- newspaper during the festival. Vern Hunter of Fargo, North Da- seum in Iowa, my friends were ready to Modern technology was also utilized kota, and the current President of the admit me to a mental hospital – “Tina, once again at the Museum’s booth. With Museum’s Board of Directors, graciously WHY do you want to go to Iowa of all a laptop computer and a connection to made the entire trip possible through a places?” they were asking me. Honestly, the Internet, Michele assisted visitors generous donation. He was also present for a while there they had me convinced, in researching records that might reveal daily to greet and speak with visitors. but then another friend said to me that she was positive that I would get a great experience no matter where I went, and from her experience in the Midwest (Minnesota) she knew that I would not and the “Julestue” here at the Museum. Horn as a tourist destination. find a friendlier place. I am so glad that I This has been extremely valuable to me Finally, I would again like to extend followed her advice, and I have sent her professionally and personally. my gratitude to all the people at Museum; many friendly thoughts during these past If I was to mention all the things staff, volunteers, members and board five months. Let me first of all thank all I have learned in my time here in the members. I would also like to thank “The the people I have met here, who have United States, I would be able to fill out American Scandinavian Foundation” in made this one of the most memorable the next four America Letters, but if I New York and Danmark Amerika Fon- and wonderful times in my life. Both on have to mention one thing in particular, det in Copenhagen for their assistance the personal and professional level this it would have to be that I have realized in obtaining a visa. You have made this has been a terrific experience for me, the importance of the community for a a personal fairytale for me! Thank you and I am very grateful for being given tourist attraction. Iowa is in the fortunate all! this opportunity. position of having a very well-function- Tak til jer alle! During my time at the Museum I ing state tourism organization, and it is Tina Wittorff have been involved in many different of great value to the Museum. It is, in Note: The Danish Immigrant Mu- projects mainly focused on my field of my opinion, very important that the com- seum is working with Aalborg University study, which is tourism. I have also had munity of Elk Horn continues to work and the Danmark Amerika Fondet to the opportunity to familiarize myself with on creating a master plan for the regional identify future interns. This past year the daily work at the Museum. This has development in the area, and one of the Freja Børsting and Tina Wittorff have been a very positive educational event resources, which we have is the experi- made invaluable contributions to the Mu- and has provided me with a lot of experi- ences of others. Therefore, networking is seum while carrying on their individual ence, which I hope to be able to use later very important, and I urge the Museum studies. Their stays have also been made on in my professional life. Just to mention to continue exploring cooperation with possible through the gracious hospitality a few of the things I have been involved others as well as continuing to develop of Deb Larsen, our Development Asso- in, I would like to highlight design of the tourism product in Elk Horn. That I ciate, with whom the interns have stayed. brochure material and planning of events believe is the key to the survival of Elk With the presence of Danish interns, we like booth designs at Høstfest, Minot, ND really are an international institution. and Scandinavian Day, South Elgin, IL 8 Connie Johnson Leaves the Staff After six years as Co-Volunteer Co- ordinator, Connie Johnson resigned in December to spend more time with her husband, Lynn, traveling and visiting Volunteer spotlight: H. John Jones her children and grandchildren. Before On any given Saturday, the front desk Streamwood, Illinois Police Department, coming to the Museum, Connie was a greeter at the Museum will be J. John where he served for 21 years, retiring social worker where over the course of 28 Jones. John has been volunteering at with the rank of sergeant. After retiring years she developed many contacts with the Museum as a front desk greeter since he worked as a security officer at First people in the surrounding communities. 2000 and enjoys meeting and visiting National Bank in Barrington, Illinois Her many contacts have been invaluable with the people who visit from around until the time he and Doris decided to in identifying and recruiting volunteers the world and from all walks of life. move to Elk Horn to be closer to her for the Museum. He was born in Wilmington, Dela- family. ware and when he was 11 years old his Since moving to this area, John has During Johnson’s tenure, she has family moved to San Francisco, Califor- spent many hours volunteering in the shared many creative ideas and was nia while his dad served in World War II. community. He has served as an elder always willing to help wherever needed Upon graduating from high school John in the Elk Horn Lutheran Church, is ac- – preparing for tours, greeting groups joined the army and served as a sergeant tive in the Optimist Club and is on the and introducing them to the Museum, during the Korean War. In 1955 John Elk Horn City Council. Both John and assisting with Museum Shop sales and was studying to be an air craft mechanic Doris are “on-call” drivers for the Salem catalog orders and any special projects in Inglewood, California where he met Lutheran Home. that came along -- always with a smile. and married his wife, Doris, who is an We all say thank you, John, and ap- We will miss you, Connie, but if the ru- Elk Horn native. John went to work preciate the many hours you have given mor is true, we will soon be welcoming for Continental Airlines in Los Angeles to The Danish Immigrant Museum! and later transferred to O’Hare Airport Joyce A. Petersen you back as a volunteer! in Chicago, Illinois. John later went Volunteer Coordinator on to become a police officer with the Creating a Visual Record of the 4,563½ Collection Collections work, by nature is ex- Volunteer Hours! tremely detailed and can be very time- consuming. Accurate record keeping Dick Nelson, who has worked as a he truly has in collections is invaluable, and having volunteer in the curatorial department distinguished images to accompany those records is an since 1997, retired in December to spend himself. Over advantage. Each artifact that is accepted more time with his wife, Norma. During the years, he for either the permanent or education/in- his seven years as a volunteer, he worked made a re- use collection is fully documented in a total of 4,563½ hours. At a reception m a r k a b l e a software system called PastPerfect. held in his honor at the Museum on number of Within that system are numerous screens January 10, 2005, one the volunteers matches and, into which mountains of information asked him why he didn’t finish that last in the pro- go. Such things as an artifact’s dimen- half hour. Dick’s laconic response; he’d cess, came to sions are recorded, as is manufacturing finished the job! know the Museum’s collection intimate- information, materials it is composed of, The focus of Dick’s work was in col- ly. His commitment and his knowledge and the history of the owners. A full and lections in the lower level visual storage gave him a de facto status as a member detailed description is given for every area where he concentrated on both “arti- of the collections staff. Because of his item as well, and that description is es- fact documentation” and “artifact settle- unerring matches, he came to be af- sentially a written photograph, a way for ment.” It is in artifact settlement (match- fectionately known as the “Sherlock someone who is not looking at the item ing artifacts that have been separated Holmes” of the Lower Level. Dick will to know what it looks like. from their identifying number) where be greatly missed. Images of artifacts supplement those

9 – continued on page 10 Fa m i l y Hi s t o r y & Ge n e a l o g y Ce n t e r Stamtræ [email protected] News from the Genealogy & Family History Center Thanks numerous individuals who regularly As the New Year begins the volun- sent in obituaries of Danish immigrants teers who have made contributions to and Danish-Americans, or other articles the FHGC in 2004 should receive hearty and items of interest (keep them coming!). All of these hours have resulted pats on the back. Mae Petersen, Dolores FHGC volunteers Gayle Stuart and Connelly, Sharon Winchell, Jeanette in prompt and useful patron assistance, Knudsen, Andy Kissel, Jim Kelgor, Lois timely translations, new informational Jim Kelgor work with Danish researcher, Christensen, Gayle Stuart, Charlotte databases, and additions to our collection. Pia Viscor. Sorensen, Esther Sand-Hendersen, and u Subscription to Ancestry.com’s U.S. Herb Christensen have put in numerous Wish List Records Collection ($80) The increasing number of queries hours at the Center, and were recently u Vols. 1-15 (1914-1939) of the Danish joined by Dorothy and Jens Sorensen, coming to the Center creates a continual Brotherhood Magazine, and issues of Alice Simonsen, and Ralf and Inga demand for additional resources. The fol- The American Dane from 1997 on. Hojfeldt. Ralf and Inga also worked lowing items are currently at the top of the u Strangers in Hollywood: the history of from their homes on various projects, as FHGC Wish List. If you wish to discuss Scandinavian actors in American films did Sheiree Planck, Jens Christoffersen, making a donation toward the purchase from 1910 to World War II, by Hans J. Carolyn Sand, Fritz Hansen, Barbara of/subscription to any of them, contact Wollstein (1994; $59.50 on amazon. Sullivan and Anne Keller. Herb Chris- Michele McNabb at 877-764-7008 or at com) tensen has been busy photographing [email protected]. u What did they do? In Danish…., by tombstones in Elk Horn and Kimballton u Subscription to Ancestry.com’s U.S. John E. Herl ($13 from www.gene- area cemeteries. Then there are the Immigration Collection ($80) alogystore.com) u From Copenhagen to Okanagon, by Ulrik E. Fries (1949; $9.95 and up used on abebooks.com) Visual Record . . . – continued from page 9 u But you can feel it, by Emil B. Fries descriptions. Previously, only two-di- our collection, its condition is obvious. (1980; $9.95 and up used on abebooks. com) mensional items had been scanned and If at any point someone notices that the – continued on page 11 attached to catalog records, but since artifact has a crack or some evidence of July of 2004, images have been included insect activity, one can look at the im- with every catalog record. All artifacts ages included in its catalog record and being taken into both collections are compare them with the item. If there now being scanned or photographed appears to be new damage or wear, steps and attached to the appropriate catalog can be taken to better protect the item in record in PastPerfect. This system has its home location or to remove it from a the capacity to hold up to 999 images potentially harmful area. for each artifact, making it possible to As museums strive to be more profes- document it properly. For example, often sional, the staff at The Danish Immigrant all pages can be included in the visual Museum also works toward that goal. We record when scanning booklets, wills, try to comply with the standards set by and other archival materials. Three di- the American Association of Museums mensional artifacts can be photographed not only to offer our collection the best, from all sides and angles, and details can most professional care possible, but be shot up close. also to provide for our visitors the most Having images in our database also complete history there is on the artifacts aids in documenting an artifact’s condi- we hold and on the lives they are forever tion. When the artifact is photographed or connected to. Written and visual records Ralf Hojfeldt of Des Moines takes a scanned at the time it is incorporated into help us do that. break from doing research on a microfilm 10 reader. Stamtræ . . . – continued from page 10 Wedding u Microfilm of 1928/29 Chicago city directory ($149) Thanks to Norma Lange Nelson, James & Shirley Mae Hansen Norlem, and Ib J. Mercebach Mørk, who recently ‘adopted’ six more large-scale Danish maps for Pictures our collection. The following map areas are still orphans: north and south Born- holm, and the areas of Thyborøn, Hundborg, Farsø, Struer, Holstebro, Ulfborg, Our TivoliFest photograph display Lemvig, Hammershøj, Bjerringbro, Karup, Viborg, Hadsten, Ebeltoft, Fornæs, last year of immigrant families was very Lohals, Reersø, Nykøbing Sjælland, Sejerø, and Saltholm. Each map costs $15 popular. During this year’s festival the and will be labeled with the adoptive patron’s name. FHGC plans on displaying wedding HeritageQuest Online™ numerous individuals who regularly Beginning in September the Museum began offering remote access to this valuable pictures of Danish immigrants. If you sent in obituaries of Danish immigrants genealogical database to members making an annual contribution at the $100 level have a photograph you would like to and Danish-Americans, or other articles and above. HeritageQuest Online™, is one of a group of subscription databases share, you can send a copy by mail or and items of interest (keep them com- produced by ProQuest, and is used by FHGC staff and volunteers every day. At by email as a .jpg file to: librarian@ ing!). All of these hours have resulted present the database allows searching of U.S. censuses from 1790-1930; over 25,000 danishmuseum.org between Feb. 1st and in prompt and useful patron assistance, local and family histories; PERSI, a valuable index to articles in genealogical pe- st timely translations, new informational May 1 . Be sure to include the following riodicals, and selected records from Revolutionary War pension and bounty-land information: names of bride and groom, databases, and additions to our collection. application files. It is easy to use and make printouts from. Although there have been some bugs in getting the system up and running, date and place of marriage (which can Wish List remote access should now be available for those who have already signed up. If be in either Denmark or the U.S.) and The increasing number of queries you have been given a username and are having problems, or have not yet received we’ll include them in the display. coming to the Center creates a continual your username contact Michele at 1-877-764-7008. If you are interested in signing demand for additional resources. The fol- up, contact Development Associate Deb Larsen at 1-800-759-9192. lowing items are currently at the top of the FHGC Wish List. If you wish to discuss Researching Ancestors making a donation toward the purchase Many times research queries an- date, that he was born in Dronninglund for three of William’s four brothers, Jens, of/subscription to any of them, contact swered by library staff and volunteers in then-Hjørring County, and thought to Ingvar and Valdemar, who all retained the Michele McNabb at 877-764-7008 or at are fairly straightforward, taking little have a brother named Edward. Sanden name. She also found families [email protected]. time to find the answer. Sometimes, Deb brought back this request and of two of the brothers in Canada with u Subscription to Ancestry.com’s U.S. however, the research strategy is more gave it to Dolores, who searched on and living relatives and a living step-cousin Immigration Collection ($80) complicated, goes in unexpected direc- off for several months with the resources in Denmark. tions, involves collaboration, or just plain then available, writing to a couple of Just before receiving this last in- serendipity. Such was one of the cases archives in Denmark, but without find- formation, Dolores found what looked researched by volunteer Dolores Con- ing additional information. Shortly after like a third brother, Ingvard Sanden, the library moved to its new location, listed in the 1930 census in Champaign Volunteer Coordinator Connie Johnson County, Illinois. Two emails were sent stopped to ask Dolores if she had time to out, one to the local library and another talk to a man with a genealogy question. to a genealogist named Nancy Sanden, As he started to give her information, a to verify whether he was William’s bell rang … the patron in question turned brother. When the Danish researcher’s out to be Orville Jensen, of Mankato, findings were received, it looked even Minnesota, Phil’s brother, who had come more promising, and return emails from to put his father on the Museum Wall of Illinois confirmed the findings. Honor. He had no more information, but Phil and Orville contacted the fami- by then the library had more resources lies of the two brothers in Canada, and and Dolores started searching again, still were invited to visit them this past Sep- unsuccessfully. tember. Nancy Sanden and Orville were William Dolores then contacted the Provin- contacted in turn by the step-cousin from cial Archives for Northern Jutland in Denmark, who had visited the Canadian Jensen Viborg, where she was given the name cousins more than once – knowing noth- of a professional Danish researcher to ing about what had become of William give to Orville. Months passed, but the Jensen or Ingvar (who turned out to be nelly. At Norsk Høstfest in Minot ND in researcher was eventually able to tell Or- ‘Edward’) Sanden. There are 50 rela- the fall of 2002 Development Associate ville that his father’s name was recorded tives of William Jensen in Canada and Deb Larsen spoke with local resident Phil at birth as Vilhelm Jensen Sanden, son of an undetermined number in Illinois and Jensen, who requested help searching Jens Steffensen Sanden of Vester Hassing Denmark. From going from knowing for his father’s birthplace and family in parish. The added last name came from little about their father, Phil and Orville Denmark. His only information was his the farm where William was born. This are now inundated with family! father’s name, William Jensen, his birth researcher also found Ellis Island records 11 Activities and News Are You a Danish

• Phase 1 of our project of inputting and alphabetizing danish Brother- hood lodge memberships between 1881 and 1974 is now completed! Immigrant? This enormous project, which encompasses 341 lodges and an estimated Many people responded to the Im- 85,000 names, took two years to complete. The indexes are currently available in binders at the FHGC. After volunteers at Dana College proofread migrant Information Form that was ap- names and add additional information to the rosters, and corrections are pended in the fall America Letter. We made, the indexes will be accessible on the Museum website. would like to have some information on • After the Danish Immigrant Archive at Dana College kindly lent us all immigrants or long-term residents back issues of the Danish Brotherhood Magazine, Jim Kelgor and from Denmark. Perhaps some of you Jens Sorensen have been working on deaths recorded in the periodical might be willing to distribute the form between 1916 and 1940. at meetings of your local Danish-Ameri- • The FHGC was the venue for two workshops on general online genea- can organization. For copies, contact logical resources held for southwest Iowa librarians in late October. Michele at the FHGC. Librarian Michele McNabb and Atlantic Public Library director Carol Stanger spoke about resources available on a number of topics of interest to family researchers. • Michele also held two presentations on Danish and Danish-American genealogical research at the 29th Family History Workshop held at Min- nesota State University in Morehead on Oct. 2nd, 2004. A PowerPoint presentation was developed for this event, and then used when Michele HeritageQuest joined Deb Larsen and intern Tina Wittorff in Minot, North Dakota, for Norsk Høstfest, where the Museum’s booth with decorated Danish and Online™ Danish-American Christmas trees past and present, got a lot of attention. Beginning in September the Mu- (Incoming Board President Vern Hunter also got front-page coverage in seum began offering remote access to the local newspaper!) this valuable genealogical database to • Danish researcher Pia Viscor spent the fi rst two weeks in November members making an annual contribu- at the Museum and FHGC. Her research, which centered on some 400 tion at the $100 level and above. Heri- Danes who emigrated from four parishes near the manor estate of Sk- joldenæsholm between 1850 and 1900, resulted in her fi nding additional tageQuest Online™, is one of a group information on a great number of individuals. of subscription databases produced by • Thanks to the generosity of several individuals the FHGC has or will be ProQuest, and is used by FHGC staff getting some new equipment. Kai Nyby graciously provided funding and volunteers every day. for a digital camera, desktop scanner, and several display easels, and At present the database allows thanks to contributions from Dolores Connelly and Dennis Andersen, searching of U.S. censuses from 1790- we’ll soon have a large-bed scanner, which will enable us to scan church 1930; over 25,000 local and family histo- registers and other large-paged items. ries; PERSI, a valuable index to articles • Computer upgrades now mean that patrons and staff have wireless ac- in genealogical periodicals, and selected cess at the FHGC. Soon we should be linked to the Museum computer records from Revolutionary War pension network, which will greatly facilitate communication between the main building and the library. and bounty-land application fi les. It is • Over 800 items were added to the FHGC collection in 2004. In addition easy to use and make printouts from. to a large number of books transferred from the Curatorial Department, Although there have been some bugs the library is now the repository for over 300 oral history tapes made in getting the system up and running, in the mid-1980s. Volunteer Gayle Stuart is currently inventorying the remote access should now be available latter. for those who have already signed up. • Spring classes and workshops will include two series of workshops on If you have been given a username and Danish genealogy. Registration for the workshops, which will be held on are having problems, or have not yet Saturday, March 5, 12, and 19 from 10am-noon and Thursdays April 21, received your username contact Michele 28 and May 5 from 6:30-8:30 pm may be done through Iowa Western at 1-877-764-7008. If you are interested Community College (712-755-3568). If your organization would be interested in having a Danish genealogy workshop day, contact Michele in signing up, contact Development at the library number 1-877-764-7008. Associate Deb Larsen at 1-800-759- 9192.

12 Wall of Honor – September 1, 2004 – December 31, 2004

Egon Calundann, Olympia, wa – Egon Calundann, Olympia, WA Lars Hendrick nelson (nielsen), Council Bluffs, Ia – Susan Hallock, Council Bluffs, IA Peter Sorenson (Sorensen), Council Bluffs, Ia – Susan Hallock, Council Bluffs, IA Paul (Poul) Christian Larsen, fremont, nE – Paula Fanshier, Salem, OR Lars Christian Rasmussen & Karen Marie (andersen) Rasmussen, neola, Ia – by their grandchildren: Junior Rasmussen, Council Bluffs, IA; Ethan Rasmussen, Council Bluffs, IA; Roland Rasmussen, Pacifi c Junction, IA; Quentin Rasmussen, Omaha, NE; Rosehannah (Rasmussen) Russell, Council Bluffs, IA; and their great-grandchildren: Mary Ellen (Martison) Engdahl, Omaha, NE; Kathryn (Thompson) Han- son, Mankato, MN; Jeannette (Thompson) Haasarud, Phoe- nix, AZ; Robert Christiansen, Tempe, AZ; Carolyn Christians- en, Des Moines, IA; Gerald Christiansen, Shelby, IA; Gail Christiansen, Portsmouth, IA; Vernon Magnussen, Council Bluffs, IA; Alvina (Larsen) Hjorstsvang, Council Bluffs, IA; Ruth (Larsen) Benson, Council Bluffs, IA; Dorothy Larsen, Omaha, NE; Arthur Larsen, Underwood, IA; Ken- neth Christensen, Ventura, CA; Elaine (Bondo) Hoyer, Wash- ington, IL; Phyllis (Bondo) Shavlik, North Platte, NE; and Paul Bondo, South Bend, IN Mads Jorgen Barsoe, Chicago, il – Maxine Kent Callinan, Carmel Valley, CA Julius Peter Christensen & Helga Dorthea Christensen, Glen- dale, Ca – Carlo & Barbara Christensen, Glendale, CA Valdemar Edward Hoppe, Chi- cago, IL – Ronald B. Hoppe, Sr., Niles, IL thomas thomsen & Jensine Petrine nielsen, Dwight, IL – Marie Kjolhede, Novi, MI andreas Sorensen & Else Ben- dixen Bekker, Reddick, IL – Marie Kjolhede, Novi, MI

Wall of Honor commemorating immigrants grows.

13 The Danish Pioneer Rebild National Park Society The Danish Immigrant Museum Classic Denmark Rebild Tour 2005 Rosenborg Palace Day 1.....June 23, Thursday Departure USA Day 2.....June 24 Copenhagen Tivoli overnight hotel Absalon Day 3.....June 25 Copenhagen city tour SERVICES Day 4.....June 26 Copenhagen North Sealand Castle tour INCLUDED: Day 5.....June 27 Copenhagen Odense Langeland Ærø • Overnights in Shared double Day 6.....June 28 Ærø room , with break- Day 7.....June 29 Fyn - Hvedholm Castle for overnight at Castle. fast daily Day 8.....June 30 Egeskov Castle to Møgeltønder to Schackenborg Castle Inn • All transfers and Day 9.....July 01 Ribe Hotel Dagmar tours, Ferries. Day 10...July 2 Aalborg via Aarhus. Overnight at Hotel Hvide Hus Aalborg • All Rebild activities with invitations to Day 11 ...July 3 Aalborg private invitation to reception Lord Mayors ofﬁ ce private functions. Day 12...July 4 Aalborg + 4th of July celebration with Gala Dinner • Entrance fees at Day 13...July 5 Ebeltoft farewell dinner Tivoli Gardens, Day 14...July 6 Departure Aarhus Copenhagen - USA Kronborg, Frede- riksborg, Egeskov Deposit required at time of TOUR PRICE: Castle, Old Town of Århus and Ska- booking: $500.00 per person From Chicago: $3695.00, From Chi- cago with add-on fare from other cities. gen’s Museum. Partial payment due: $1000.00 Single supplement: $1070.00 on April 1 Option: If you wish only to participate in Full and Final payment due: Rebild, excluding thereby The Classic Denmark Tour, your cost will May 15 be $1790.00 including airfare. Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, Discover, American Express are FOR PARTICIPATION: accepted: Fax or email this page to us. Number: ______For questions call or email. Exp. Date ______Name on Card: ______Signature: 1137 Central Ave., Suite 6, Wilmette, IL 60091 ______1-847-256-5550 • 1-800-TJENSEN • fax 1-847-256-5563 Name of passengers: Book direct on-line: ______www.jensenworldtravel.agentnet.com [email protected] Phone ( ) ______14 Insuring the Museum’s Future: How You Can Contribute The Danish Immigrant Museum’s securities to the Museum can be done Real Estate future can be assured through the con- through the Atlantic, Iowa, Office of UBS A gift of property held for more than tinued support of its members. There Financial Services at 1.800.442.5887. one year can provide the same federal are a number of ways in which you, our tax advantages as a gift of securities. members, can make significant contribu- Bequests You may also choose to retain the right tions. Through a will, you may assure the to live in a donated residence after your Museum’s legacy. The Museum may be gift has been made. Cash Gifts named as a residuary beneficiary of an Cash gifts are the simplest way of estate, as the recipient of a specified gift Gifts with an realizing your charitable objectives and or contingent bequest, or as the ultimate Income Interest supporting the Museum’s work. Cash beneficiary of a charitable remainder gifts qualify as a charitable deduction for trust. Bequests are deductible for federal to the Museum federal income tax purposes and are fully estate tax purposes. Gifts of IRA assets Through a charitable lead trust, donors deductible up to 50% of your adjusted are especially good bequests to the Mu- can provide income to the Museum for a gross income in the year that you make seum. period of years, at the end of which the the gift. Deduction amounts exceeding principal reverts back to the donor or this limit may be carried forward up to passes to other members of the individ- Life Insurance ual’s family. Often there is a significant five additional years. There are several ways that you can estate tax benefit. give to the Museum through life insur- The staff at The Danish Immigrant ance. You can give a policy that you Securities Museum welcomes your questions and Gifts of appreciated securities held already own, assign the dividends as a would be delighted to discuss gift op- longer than one year (stocks, bonds, and gift, or name the Museum as a beneficiary portunities with you. stock in closely held companies) may of the death benefits. In addition to estate Many members have made significant also be used to contribute to the Museum. tax benefits, donors may also gain an contributions of stock or named The Dan- You may completely avoid capital gains income tax deduction while contributing ish Immigrant Museum a beneficiary of tax while deducting the full current fair to the Museum. their estate. market value of the gift. Transfer of

FHGC volunteers celebrate Christmas with a luncheon and gift exchange. 15 The following exhibits will open to visitors in late winter, early spring: Hans Hansen: A Study in Danish American Ingenuity Opening March 15 Hans Hansen immigrated to the United States during the first decade of the 1900s. He saved enough money from his first years of labor to purchase land on the bank of the Cedar River in eastern Iowa, where he set about establishing a farmstead. Clearing the heavily wooded land posed many challenges, each of which Hans addressed, often with tools of his own invention. He began construction of the farmhouse in 1908 and completed it the following year. Work on the farm’s outbuildings continued for an extended period. It was really Hans’ creativity and ingenuity that built the farm almost Christmas Atmosphere as much as muscle and sweat. Through the years, Hans fashioned many of his own tools, and developed solutions to typical problems in a Danish “Julestue” on the farm. For example, to protect wooden fence posts from deteriorating from the “What’s that smell?” That’s the for the preparation and during Julefest weather, he covered each with a handmade question that the visitors at The Danish where Deb Larsen and Tina Wittorff were metal cap. It is this ingenuity that will be the Immigrant Museum were asking them- in charge of teaching the art work with subject of the exhibit. the help of the rest of the staff. The hard selves when they entered the museum Contemporary Illustrations of Hans in the week leading up to Thanksgiving. work paid off with the reimbursement Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales A strange odor of vanilla, cloves, cin- being the smiles on the children’s faces Opening April 2 namon and cardamom was spreading when they left the museum with their Through the years, many artists have from the kitchen where museum staff OWN Christmas heart basket – now that tried their hand at illustrating the fairy tales and volunteers were baking traditional is what Christmas is all about! of Hans Christian Andersen. This exhibition Danish Christmas cookies for the up- The event would not have been made will feature some of the more contempo- coming Julefest celebration. This year possible without the help of volunteers rary illustrations of his work. A number of the museum introduced a new dimension Connie Johnson, Jeanette Lillehoej and the pieces use vivid color; a few establish intensity of mood. to the Danish concept of a “Julestue” Rosa Clemsen. They were all very help- (Christmas room) where visitors were ful in the preparation for the “Julestue,” Americans at W ork and at Play: invited to sit down in the Bro Dining and the museum staff is very grateful for Danish Influences in Everyday Life Area and learn traditional Danish arts that. Furthermore, the museum wishes to Opening May 4 of papirklip (paper cuts), woven heart extend its gratitude to Annette Andersen This exhibition is an exploration of who provided patterns for papirklip, and Danish influences in the American home baskets, ribbon stars, candle decorations and workplace. It will highlight items from and knitting “nisser.” While doing so, a special appreciation to Solveig Wittorff, Denmark which recent immigrants and they were provided with Danish Christ- Hjorring, Denmark is also appropriate. their families use in their American homes, mas cookies, coffee and apple cider. Solveig, who is Tina’s mother, sent demonstrating a continuing commitment Danish intern, Tina Wittorff, was original recipes for cookies and knit- to their Danish identity. But at its core, the responsible for this event which took ting patterns which added that special exhibition is an exploration of ways in which place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and authentic “Danish” touch to the event. subsequent generations of Danish Americans she was very pleased with the outcome: Next year the museum hopes to repeat deliberately retain ties to Denmark through the use of Danish-made products at home “People responded very positively and it the event, and the left over materials have and sometimes at work. These products may was a true pleasure to see how everybody been stored at the museum for later use. range from fine porcelains and glassware – old as well as young – had a good Hopefully, next year it will be possible to textiles, writing and cutting instruments, time with us. The children were espe- to extend the activities, and have even lighting fixtures and sound systems, cooking cially enjoying themselves, and it was more programs for the children. Ideas products and toys, to name but a few possi- impressive to watch the creativity they are floating in the air, and one thing is bilities. The exhibition is also an examination produced,” Tina says. A lot of human for sure: The visitors at The Danish Im- of the ways that Denmark and its products migrant Museum are in for a treat again influence American life in a manner cutting resources were put into this event both across ethnicities. next year! 16