ONE OF THE DANISH PIONEER'S SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: Celebrating The Danish Immigrant Museum’s 30th Anniversary in Elk Horn, Iowa

The Danish Pioneer Newspaper is proud to have shared many milestones with The Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, Iowa through the years – from participating in the museum’s groundbreaking to being on the museum grounds for the recent 30th Anniversary. Congratulations to all of the museum’s wonderful staff, volunteers, board members, community members, donors and supporters on the museum’s success. If you’ve never been to Elk Horn, Iowa, please plan a trip and discover the great people and places in the Danish Villages. Stay tuned to The Danish Pioneer Newspaper for ongoing and informative news from The Danish Immigrant Museum. Here’s a brief report from the 30th Anniversary Celebration and some great pictures from The Danish Immigrant Museum’s Nicky Christensen. 

Danish Immigrant Museum in Iowa Marks 30 Years

Almost 200 people attended The Danish Immigrant Museum’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, June 22, 2013 in Elk Horn, Iowa. The Governor of Iowa Terry Branstad and The Ambassador of Denmark to the United States Peter Taksøe Jensen participated in the festive tent dinner on the museum grounds. Museum Board President Dagmar Muthamia bid welcome, and the singing of America the Beautiful and Det er et yndigt land were led by Mark Nussle, accompanied by Glenn Henriksen. Rev. Dr. John W. Nielsen gave the invocation, and then the guests enjoyed a dinner of herring, rugbrød, frikadeller, potato salad, along with cucumbers & onions in cream sauce. In addition to the speeches by the Governor and the Ambassador, Honorary Danish Consul for the State of Iowa Lynette Skow Rasmussen introduced recently knighted Museum Executive Director Dr. John Mark Nielsen, who addressed the crowd. Closing remarks were made by Dagmar Muthamia and group singing ended the program with Vi Skal Leve, led by Mark Nussle, accompanied by Glenn Henriksen. Guests enjoyed dessert and gathered around the new Council Ring for a performance by the Kimballton Folk Dancers A bonfire was featured at dusk. Danish troubadour Flemming Behrend also entertained as part of the museum’s 30th anniversary. Learn more about The Danish Immigrant Museum at www.danishmuseum.org (Photos courtesy of Nicky Christensen – The Danish Immigrant Museum, Elk Horn, Iowa)