Museum of Danish America

Brown Bag Lunch - "Beyond the Veil: Victorian Funeral Practices" Presented by Anna Thomas
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Step back in time with our Youth and Community Educator, Anna Thomas, to the Victorian Era (1820-1914). In this presentation, you will learn about the shift in attitudes toward death and mourning with popular topics such as post-mortem death photography, the rural cemetery movement, tombstone symbolism, grave robbers, Victorian mourning clothing, and much more.

The Brown Bag Lunch Series is a free monthly speaker series sponsored by Dennis Andersen

Museum Board of Directors Meeting | Elk Horn, IA
2025-10-16 08:00 - 2025-10-18 17:00 (America/Detroit) | iowa

SPARK! Álfablót
2025-10-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | iowa
Álfablót is an ancient Nordic celebration in which one honors their ancestors. For this month’s SPARK! program, we’ll explore the history of this celebration and similar traditions from around the world, decorate pumpkins, and drink apple cider.

SPARK! is cultural programming that fosters connection & encourages lifelong learning. Programs feature interactive exhibit experiences, and all programs begin with a coffee social and snacks.

This program is sponsored by The Andersen and Andersen-Lopez families of New York and Connecticut.

Brown Bag Lunch - "The Danish Windmill's Danish History, 1846–1975,” with Shaun Sayres.
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Many know the windmill’s story in Elk Horn, Iowa—but what about its earlier history?

Bring your lunch to the museum on Thursday, September 18, at 12 pm for a special program, “The Danish Windmill’s Danish History, 1846–1975,” with the Danish Windmill’s Manager, Shaun Sayres.

The Brown Bag Lunch Series is a free monthly speaker series sponsored by Dennis Andersen

MoDA @ The Library
2025-09-15 01:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Elk Horn Public Library, 2027 Washington St, Elk Horn, iowa, 51531, United States
This program is a collaboration between the Elk Horn Public Library and the Museum of Danish America. Join our Youth and Community Educator in a presentation of our Danish Immigration Experience – Traveling Trunk Program.

Songs from the Kingdom of Denmark: Anita Lerche featuring Claire Pendleton
2025-09-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Luther Memorial Church, 1201 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50316, United States
Experience the rich musical heritage of Denmark in an enchanting evening with internationally renowned soprano Anita Lerche and pianist and composer Claire Pendleton. This special performance will take place at Luther Memorial Church, 1201 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, on Saturday, September 13 at 6 pm.

The concert will feature beloved Danish folk songs and classic works by poets such as Grundtvig, Ingemann, Blicher, and H.C. Andersen, offering a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of Denmark through music, language, and emotion.

Admission is free, and a free-will offering will be collected during the concert. A reception will follow in the Lykke Center, offering time to connect and celebrate.

Let the melodies transport you to the heart of Denmark. If you can’t attend in person, you can stream and watch concert highlights from Songs from the Kingdom of Denmark on YouTube.

Due to limited capacity, please register for free HERE and include the number of attendees in your group.

This event is sponsored by Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Denmark, Lynette Skow Rasmussen and Mr. Kurt Rasmussen, Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15, Danish Sisterhood Lodge #102, and the Museum of Danish America.

Nordia House Meet-Up with MoDA
2025-09-11 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Nordia House, 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, Oregon, 97223, United States
The Museum of Danish America cordially invites Nordia House members, area Danes, and friends of Danish culture to a delightful Danish meet-up! Enjoy drinks and appetizers with MoDA board members at Nordia House on Thursday, September 11 from 5 – 7:30 pm!

Schedule:– 5 pm: Drinks and appetizers hosted by MoDA board members/room hosted by Nordia House member, Nils Jensen– 6 pm: Tova Brandt, MoDA Executive Director, will give a brief talk about the museum– 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Enjoy connecting with area Danes in celebration of our shared history

We are looking forward to a wonderful evening of camaraderie and celebration of our shared heritage. Thank you for your support and collaboration!

Space is limited; please register to attend.

Register

This event is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Nils Jensen, Erik Andersen, Philip Lund, and Tonya Knudsen-Robson.

SPARK! Back to School
2025-09-09 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | iowa
For this month’s SPARK! program, we will page through local yearbooks while reminiscing about our favorite school memories. We’ll capture these moments by taking some “Yearbook” photos with a Polaroid camera.

SPARK! is cultural programming that fosters connection & encourages lifelong learning. Programs feature interactive exhibit experiences, and all programs begin with a coffee social and snacks.

This program is sponsored by The Andersen and Andersen-Lopez families of New York and Connecticut.

Brown Bag Lunch
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
The Brown Bag Lunch Series is a free monthly speaker series sponsored by Dennis Andersen.

Kaffe og Kringle - Thoughts on Living Danishly with former MoDA Intern Mads Madsen Henriksen
2025-08-19 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Join us for a Kaffe og Kringle with former MoDA intern Mads Madsen Henriksen on August 19 at 3 pm. Mads will discuss Denmark’s economic, environmental, political, and educational landscape, highlighting what makes the country unique. Mads also will share his thoughts on what it’s like to live Danishly as a young person.

The Art of the Danish Book Opens
2025-08-16 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | iowa
See the new exhibition, The Art of the Danish Book, in the Main Floor Gallery at MoDA!

SPARK! Birds of America
2025-08-12 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
In this month’s SPARK! program, we’ll draw inspiration from John James Audubon’s Birds of America and create our own abstract bird artworks!

SPARK! is cultural programming that fosters connection & encourages lifelong learning. Programs feature interactive exhibit experiences, and all programs begin with a coffee social and snacks.

This program is sponsored by The Andersen and Andersen-Lopez families of New York and Connecticut.

Cancelled - Yoga in the Prairie
2025-08-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, Iowa, 51531, United States
Due to the weather, yoga in the prairie is cancelled. View other yoga classes offered by Katie Sandquist here.

Storytime in the Prairie
2025-08-08 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit), 2025-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit), 2025-06-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Stories will be read by the Elk Horn Public Librarian. There will be snacks and activities to match each monthly theme. Held in collaboration with the Elk Horn Public Library.

Theme TBD.

Lay of(f) the Land Closes
2025-07-31 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | iowa
The final day to see Lay of(f) the Land: Nordic Narratives before the pieces return to Scandinavia!

Throwback Thorsday Progressive Dinner
2025-07-24 16:30 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Join us for three Danish courses in three Elk Horn locations!

1st course: Mini smørrebrød and beverages at the Museum of Danish America from 4:30-6pm.

2nd course: Frikadeller, rødkål, whipped potatoes, and agurkesalat at the Norse Horse from 5-7pm.

3rd course: Kringle Man Danish layer cake cups at the Danish windmill from 5:30-7pm.

Call MoDA at 712.764.7001 or the Norse Horse at 712.764.6646 to reserve. Reservations are required by July 21. Pay $20 to the Norse Horse on July 21.

The Kringle Man will be open from 7am-7pm on July 24.

Ceramics Camp
2025-07-19 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Unleash Your Inner Potter: A Danish Ceramics Inspired Camp!

Immerse yourself in the art of ceramics and the elegance of Danish design in our exciting Ceramics Camp! This hands-on experience offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and creative expression, perfect for budding artists – Grades 4th – 8th

What awaits you:

A Journey Through Danish Ceramics: Begin your artistic adventure with a Curator Led tour of our Danish Ceramics Exhibition (Danish Ceramics – Beyond Blue and White). Campers will experience the elegance of Royal Copenhagen’s blue lace and learn about other influential Danish ceramic artists and their techniques, sparking a creative vision for the campers.

Master the Wheel: Get your hands muddy with dedicated Pottery Wheel Practice Our instructors will guide campers through the fundamental techniques of centering, opening, pulling walls, and shaping clay on the potter’s wheel.

The Magic of the Kiln: Witness the transformative power of fire! You’ll learn about the Kiln Firing process as the camper’s creations are carefully fired to achieve durability and permanence. Understand the different stages of firing and the exciting changes that occur within the kiln.

Air Dry Clay & Danish Design: Explore your creativity further with Air Dry Clay. You’ll learn various hand-building techniques to create a variety of fun and decorative pieces. The focus will be on developing painting designs directly influenced by the aesthetics of Danish Ceramics.

Expert Guidance: Our passionate and knowledgeable instructors will provide personalized guidance and support throughout the camp, ensuring a fun and enriching learning environment.

All Materials Included: We provide all the necessary clay, tools, glazes (for fired pieces), paints, and firing services. Just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! Lunch Provided.

Members receive a discounted rate. Click here to become a member.

Register Here

This camp is sponsored by “The Shelby County Community Foundation.” To learn more about sponsorship click here.

Contact – Anna Thomas M.A.Youth and Community Educatoranna.thomas@danishmuseum.org712.764.7001

Brown Bag Lunch
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Join us for a presentation by interns Hannah Versch and Violet Harper as they share what their work as MoDA interns looks like.

The Brown Bag Lunch Series is a free monthly speaker series sponsored by Dennis Andersen.

Yoga in the Prairie
2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, Iowa, 51531, United States
Grab your yoga mat and join instructor Katie Sandquist for monthly community wellness surrounded by the beauty of nature. All levels are welcome.

$8 per session or $6 for museum members. While you may sign up for multiple people for this date, please sign up for each date individually.

Register Here

SPARK! Lavender Haze
2025-07-08 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Embrace the lavender haze! For July’s SPARK! program, we will discuss the benefits of lavender and its various uses throughout history while sipping on lavender lemonade and sampling lavender treats.

SPARK! is cultural programming that fosters connection & encourages lifelong learning. Programs feature interactive exhibit experiences, and all programs begin with a coffee social and snacks.

This program is sponsored by The Andersen and Andersen-Lopez families of New York and Connecticut.

Skjaldborg Viking Camp (FULL)
2025-06-28 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Grades 4-8th

Viking Camp registration has reached maximum capacity. You may contact Anna Thomas, Youth and Community Educator, at anna.thomas@danishmuseum.org to be added to the waitlist. Ceramics Camp on July 19, is still open for registration.

Unleash Your Inner Viking: A Day of Adventure!

Embark on an unforgettable journey back in time to the age of Vikings! Our action-packed Viking Camp offers a thrilling and educational experience, connecting the legendary Norse seafarers to the rich tapestry of Danish culture. Held in collaboration with the Danish Windmill.

Here’s what awaits your young Viking:

Tales of the Northmen: The day begins with a fascinating Curator-led talk on Vikings and the history of their connection to Danish Culture. Discover the sagas, voyages, and societal structures of the Vikings, and learn about their enduring impact on Denmark and beyond. Unravel the mysteries of their longships, their gods, and their adventurous spirit.

The Power of Runes: Delve into the mystical world of the Viking alphabet with a Viking Rune Making session. Learn the meanings behind these ancient symbols and craft your own set of runes to take home, connecting with the wisdom and communication of the Viking age.

A Taste of the North: Refuel your Viking spirit with a Viking-inspired Lunch! (Specific menu details will be provided closer to the camp date, catering to young palates while offering a taste of the era).

Exploring the Viking Legacy at the Danish Windmill & Viking Home Site: After lunch, we’ll journey to the Danish Windmill and Viking Home Site for an immersive hands-on experience in partnership with the Danish Windmill and Skjaldborg Viking Reenactors Group.

Rotate through a variety of stations:

Stone Carving like a Viking: Learn the fundamental techniques of Viking Age stone carving mirroring the artistry found on ancient runestones.

The Heat of the Forge: Witness the power of the blacksmith in action and even try your hand (with close supervision) at basic techniques during our blacksmithing activity, understanding the vital role of metalwork in Viking society.

Minting History: Experience the ancient craft of coin casting, creating your own replica Viking-era coin to commemorate your adventure.

Shields Up! Battle Tactics and Games: Engage in fun and safe Viking Age battle tactics and games, learning about formation, strategies, and the importance of teamwork in Viking warfare.

Echoes of Battle: Warfare and Weaponry: To conclude our epic day, we’ll gather for a captivating show and in-depth look at the history around warfare and weaponry commonly used during the Viking Age expansion. Discover the design, purpose, and impact of swords, axes, shields, and other tools of the Viking warrior, bringing their legendary battles to life.

Who should join the adventure:

This camp is perfect for curious kids eager to explore history, engage in hands-on activities, and discover the fascinating world of the Vikings and their connection to Danish culture. Lunch Provided.

Members receive a discounted rate. Click here to become a member.

Register Here

This camp is sponsored by “The Andersen and Andersen-Lopez families of New York and Connecticut.” To learn more about sponsoring click here.

Contact – Anna Thomas M.A.Youth and Community Educatoranna.thomas@danishmuseum.org 712.764.7001

Sankt Hans Aften 2025
2025-06-21 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Sankt Hans Aften at the Museum of Danish America
You’re invited to attend the Museum of Danish America’s free Sankt Hans Aften celebration in Elk Horn, Iowa on June 21 from 5 – 10 pm! Sankt Hans Aften, or Saint John’s Eve, is a Danish style midsummer festival.

Prepare for Danish hot dogs, s’mores and snobrød, and a bonfire at sunset.
Expect traditional Danish fiddle tunes, music from other Nordic countries, old-time American and self-composed original tunes, and perhaps a few Venezuelan waltzes from Kristian Bugge & Ruthie Dornfeld, a fiddling duo who first met one another in the Danish folk music circles in the mid-1990s!
Browse and shop the museum’s design store.
Pack your own lawn games, seating, beverages, etc., and be sure to bring your friends!
All are welcome to attend!

Sankt Hans Aften is sponsored in part by Marne Elk Horn Communications, Elk Horn, IA, Shelby County State Bank, Harlan, IA, and Fareway Meat & Grocery, Harlan, IA. Funding for entertainment is provided by the American Scandinavian Foundation.
Due to heat levels and high winds, we will no longer be lighting the traditional bonfire at sunset or serving s’mores and snobrød. We thank you for your understanding.
History of Sankt Hans Aften (Midsummer)
Before Christianity came to Denmark, Scandinavian peoples celebrated the longest day as a supernatural struggle between light and dark, heat and cold. Since the feast day of Saint John the Baptist occurred on June 23, near the date of the annual summer solstice, the Christian Church emphasized this celebration in Scandinavia. “Hans” is the diminutive of “Johannes” or “John.”
In the late 19th century, it became common to affix a figure resembling a witch on top of a bonfire. The witch is said to be sent back to Brocken/Blocksberg in the Harz Mountains of Germany, reflecting the uneasiness Danes felt about their powerful neighbor to the south. Some Danes regard this part of the tradition with mixed emotions as it evokes memories of the horrible persecutions and “witch” burnings carried out in Denmark and other European countries in the 17th century. However, this custom is only a little part of the overall tradition. Over time, the tradition of lighting bonfires became dominant, and other rituals gradually diminished as people enjoyed the coziness of gathering around a warm fire.
Songs and music are also a part of this tradition. During the 19th century, the singing of traditional folk songs was replaced by patriotic songs. The most popular of these is the Danish patriotic song Vi elsker vort land (We love our country), also known as Midsommervisen (Midsummer song). This song is sung at every Sankt Hans Aften celebration across the country. It was written in 1885 by the Danish poet Holger Drachmann; the original version included music by P.E. Lange-Müller. In 1979, the Danish pop band “Shu-bi-dua” created a new melody for the song, and since then, both versions have been accepted and commonly used during Sankt Hans Aften celebrations among Danish communities. For the full lyrics click here.

Dinner with MoDA
2025-06-20 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Luther Memorial Church Lykke Center, 1201 Grandview Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50316, United States
Start the first day of summer 2025 with your friends and family from the Museum of Danish America!

Please join museum staff and current and former board members on June 20 for an evening of American comfort food and Danish folk music at the Luther Memorial Church Lykke Center, 1201 Grandview Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa from 6 to 8:30 pm.

A buffet dinner featuring barbecued beef brisket, chicken, and classic American sides will be served from 6 to 7:30 pm.

A concert will follow from 7:30 to 8:30 pm, featuring Nate Kemperman, Alice McGary, and Rick Exner–students of Dwight Lamb–performing fiddle and guitar music.

Tickets: Members: $40, Non-Members: $45

Please register by June 15, 2025.

Register Here

Museum Board of Directors Meeting | Des Moines, IA
2025-06-19 08:00 - 2025-06-21 17:00 (America/Detroit) | iowa

SPARK! Painting on the Prairie
2025-06-10 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Paint with us on the prairie! For this month’s SPARK! program, we will grab a canvas, sit out on the overlook, gather inspiration, and paint a landscape scene from the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park.

SPARK! is cultural programming that fosters connection & encourages lifelong learning. Programs feature interactive exhibit experiences, and all programs begin with a coffee social and snacks.

This program is sponsored by The Andersen and Andersen-Lopez families of New York and Connecticut.

Tivoli Fest 2025
2025-05-23 - 2025-05-24 | iowa
Tivoli Fest is a proud celebration of Danish heritage in the heart of the Midwest. Held in the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa, this festival honors the deep roots and enduring traditions of Danish immigrants who helped shape our community. Visitors are invited to experience the richness of Danish culture—taste authentic foods passed down through generations, enjoy traditional music and dance, explore heritage displays, and take part in time-honored customs. Set in the largest rural Danish settlement in the United States, Tivoli Fest is more than a festival—it’s a tribute to the legacy and spirit of Denmark in America.
Schedule of MoDA Events:

Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm: Free Admission at the Museum of Danish America

Exhibits on view:
Lay Of(f) the Land: Nordic Narratives
Dwight Lamb | Music of Two Continents
Danish Ceramics: Beyond Blue & White

Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm: Free Admission at the Genealogy & Education Center

Exhibits on view:
Greenland: Shared History, Evolving Future

Friday & Saturday, dawn to dusk: Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park

Visit the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park to find native plants, explore outdoor exhibits, play on innovative Danish-designed outdoor fitness equipment, gather around the council rings, and enjoy thirty acres of tallgrass prairie

Friday, 2 – 4 pm: Dwight Lamb Orkestra

This performance, in honor of Dwight Lamb, will be held at the Museum of Danish America and is made possible by the American-Scandinavian Foundation.

Friday: Rhubarb Reimagined Cooking Contest:

Savory dishes or sweet treats, we’ll taste them all! Deliver your creations to the Elk Horn Fire Station on Friday, May 23, from 3 to 5 pm. Judging begins at 5:30 pm by Museum of Danish America staff and volunteers. Three winners will be chosen for 3 categories: Best Tasting, Most Authentically Danish, and Best Presentation. Winners will be announced between the two bands at the Fire Station that evening at 7:30 pm.

Saturday, 12:30 – 1 pm & 3 – 3:30 pm: Behind-the-Scenes Visual Storage Tours
Saturday, 1 – 3 pm: Main Vault Tours

More to do in the Danish Villages!

Tours of the Danish Windmill from Nørre Snede, Denmark
Food trucks & beer garden
Live music at the fire station on Friday & Saturday night
Traditional Danish food – æbleskiver and medisterpølse, smørrebrød, & rød pølse
Live Viking demonstrations
Danish folk dancing troupes
Craft & antique booths
A parade, fireworks, joke contest, kid’s LEGO contest, a mill to mermaid 5k, and so much more!

There is so much to see and do in the Danish Villages during Tivoli Fest. Dare we say that it’s the perfect time to visit!?
Mark your calendars and participate in this cultural celebration held Memorial Weekend.
Find the schedule and updates on the Tivoli Fest website.
