According to legend, Holger Danske, Denmark’s mythical national hero was the son of the Danish King Godfred.
A mercenary in Charlemagne’s army, Holger became weary from battle and grew homesick for Denmark. He trudged across Europe to Kronborg Castle at Elsinore where he fell into a deep sleep, and still sleeps today.
In 1845 Hans Christian Andersen wrote in his fairy tale Holger Danske “that beneath Kronborg Holger Danske is sitting in the deep, dark cellar... clad in iron and steel... his long beard hangs down upon the marble table, into which it has become firmly rooted; he sleeps and dreams, but in his dreams he sees everything that is happening in Denmark. On each Christmas Eve an angel comes to him and tells him that all he has dreamed is true and that he may go to sleep again in peace, because Denmark is not yet in any real danger; but should danger ever come, then Holger Danske will rouse himself... (And) come forth in his strength, and strike a blow that shall sound in all the countries of the world.”
Immortalized in literature and song, the legend of Holger Danske continues to play a major role in the national consciousness of Denmark today. He is a symbol of strength for all Danes and those throughout the world who share a Danish heritage.
Just as Holger Danske slumbers in Kronberg Castle, waiting to come to the rescue of his beloved Denmark, the Holger Danske Endowment “stands guard” to protect the past and future investment of supporters of The Danish Immigrant Museum.
The Endowment is a collection of gifts entrusted to the museum by individuals, organizations and corporations that share its vision. These gifts are pooled and invested by fund managers under the auspices of the Endowment Committee and the Board of Directors of the museum. Because only a portion of the annual earnings on the fund can be distributed each year, the gifts continue to grow and provide a permanent source of income for the museum.
Annual giving to The Danish Immigrant Museum, member contributions, memorials and special needs donations will always be the primary source of funding for the annual operating budget.
The Holger Danske Endowment strengthens and stabilizes the vital activities of the museum. It enhances annual giving and provides a key to the long-term viability of the museum despite economic downturns, inflation, and events that may present budgetary challenges. Moreover, the Endowment offers a unique partnership between the museum and its members by serving as a living memorial that links donors to the work of the museum.
Regardless of your financial position, there are a variety of ways that you can make a significant gift to The Holger Danske Endowment. All gifts will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you have created a legacy that will live on so that generations to follow will have the opportunity to understand and appreciate the Danish-American experience. |
