Ellis Island Medal of Honor
Medal honoring the contributions of immigrants and their descendants
This medal was given to Christian Castenskiold in 1992. Castenskiold was the cousin of King Frederik IX and second cousin to Queen Margrethe II. He served in the Danish Royal Guard. After his immigration to the U.S. in 1951, he was drafted into the Army and was stationed in West Germany as an interpreter. After returning to the U.S., Castenskiold worked for SAS airlines, expanding their operations in the western U.S.
The Ellis Island Honors Society founded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1986 to commemorate the spirit of those who immigrated to the U.S. during the Ellis Island era. The Medal is presented annually to those who have shown an outstanding commitment to serving the U.S. either professionally, culturally or civically. The society celebrates the diversity of the American people and honors the contributions made by immigrants and their descendants throughout American history.
Ellis Island Medal of Honor
USA
1992
Metal, Cloth
Gift of Alexandra Cuilty
2024.014.028a
Order of Dannebrog
This is a miniature version of the Order of Dannebrog. It was also owned by Christian Castenskiold. The Order was established in 1671 by Christian V and is one of two Royal Orders of Chivalry that the Danish monarch bestows. The order is given to people who excel in arts, sciences, business, or in service to Denmark.
