Museum of Danish America

SPARK! Day of Play
2026-09-08 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
As part of this month’s SPARK! programming, participants will take part in a special Day of Play focused on intergenerational connection. A small group of local daycare children will visit the museum, creating opportunities for shared play, conversation, and joyful interaction across generations. This program highlights the value of play at every age and encourages meaningful social engagement, creativity, and learning for SPARK! participants.

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.

SPARK! Art from the Archives
2026-08-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
As part of this month’s SPARK! programming, Youth & Community Educator Anna Thomas will share art from the museum’s archives, exploring their significance, techniques, and stylistic influence.

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.

Guided Prairie Walk
2026-08-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Join Shelby County Conservation Board Naturalist, Christina Roelofs, for a guided walk through the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park.

This program is open to all ages!

This program is held in collaboration with the Shelby County Conservation Board.

SPARK! Vikingmania
2026-07-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
As part of this month’s SPARK! Programming, the museum staff will do a guided tour through the Vikingmania! exhibit. Participants will be able to ask questions about the pieces and receive a more in-depth explanation of the artifacts on view.
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.

Art Explorers - Painting Camp
2026-07-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Painting Camp – July 11thJoin us for a fun-filled day of creativity at our Art Explorers – Painting Camp! Young artists will explore color mixing, texture techniques, watercolor blending, and mixed‑media design. Campers will create three unique art pieces—from a bold abstract texture painting to a dreamy watercolor scene and a personalized mixed‑media masterpiece. Along the way, campers will learn about famous artworks, and finish the day by setting up their very own mini gallery for families to view. A full day of imagination, learning, and colorful expression!

SPARK! Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park
2026-06-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
As part of this month’s SPARK! programming, we will visit the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park—our largest exhibition and a reconstructed native tallgrass prairie. Attend to explore why prairies are vital ecosystems, from their deep, resilient root systems to their role in sustaining biodiversity and intricate food webs.

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.

Viking Camp B
2026-06-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
🛡️ Viking Camp: The Saga of the North

A Day in the Life of a True Norse Adventurer

Grades 4th-8th

Viking Camp invites young warriors to step out of the modern world and into the thrill, grit, and heart of the Viking Age. This isn’t simply a day at camp—it’s an immersive journey into Norse life, where every activity tests the strength, cleverness, and spirit of a true Viking through hands-on challenges and ancient skills passed down through time.

⚒️The Day’s Legendary Trials:

Master the art of the strike with safe, weighted foam axe-throwing.

Embark on a high-stakes treasure quest using logic, landmark recognition, and ancient Norse clues to find buried “wealth.”

Learn authentic battle tactics and formations led by professional Viking reenactors. Experience a live demonstration of how the Great Heathen Army held the line.

Discover the “Maker” side of Norse life as you practice the skills of the forge, wood carving, and Nordic knots.

And Much More.

Do you have what it takes to earn your place in the Great Hall? Your saga begins here.

Viking Camp A
2026-06-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States

Guided Prairie Walk
2026-06-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Join Shelby County Conservation Board Naturalist, Christina Roelofs, for a guided walk through the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park.

This program is open to all ages!

In collaboration with the Shelby County Conservation Board

SPARK! Wunderkammer: Curiosities from the Collection
2026-05-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
As part of this month’s SPARK! programming, Albert Ravenholt Curator of Danish-American Culture Adam Bierstedt will offer behind-the-scenes insights into the new exhibition Wunderkammer: Curiosities from the Collection.

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.

Victor Borge Legacy Award Recital
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
The Museum of Danish America is proud to present the Victor Borge Legacy Award Piano Competition and Recital Series on Sunday, April 26, at 2 pm.

Named in honor of the beloved comedian and musician, the Victor Borge Legacy Award is designed celebrate the career of a great musician and the achievements of young pianists in the Omaha and Southwest Iowa regions.

The young pianists perform on the very first piano Victor Borge ever purchased—a Hindsberg piano grand purchased in Copenhagen. Carefully restored in 2009, it remains one of the museum’s most treasured artifacts.

The competition is held in conjunction with the South West Iowa Music Teachers Association, the Omaha Music Teachers Association, the Des Moines Piano Festival, and the Museum of Danish America.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available after the performance.

SWIMTA: Debra Heald debencore@encore-studio.com. For further information on the competition and entry, contact Debra.

OMTA: Jerri Niver 402.334.0129. For further information on the competition, please contact Jerri.

Des Moines: Sophia Ahmad 515.216.3875 or sophia@mobilemusiclessons.com. For further information on the competition and entry, contact Sophia.

Midnight at MoDA - Celebrating our Troll
2026-04-23 21:00 - 22:30 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Celebrate the troll’s arrival in true Danish style with Midnight at MoDA.

Following the artist talk with Thomas Dambo, guests are invited to gather at the Museum of Danish America for a special late-night event marking the troll’s “immigration.” Enjoy drinks, light refreshments, and a lively atmosphere as the community comes together to welcome this larger-than-life work of art.

Continue the conversation, connect with fellow guests, and be part of this memorable moment as we celebrate the latest story of Danish immigration on our campus.

Artist Talk with Thomas Dambo
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton High School, 4114 Madison Street, Elk Horn, Iowa, 51531, United States
Please register to attend.

Join world-renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo for a special evening of storytelling.

Dambo and his team have built more than 175 larger-than-life troll sculptures across the globe—from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, in forests, deserts, and unexpected places in between. What began as a street art project has grown into a global movement with thousands of followers.

At the heart of Dambo’s work is a simple but powerful message: waste no more. In a world overwhelmed by excess and single-use materials, he transforms discarded wood and scrap into extraordinary works of art—reminding us that what we throw away still holds beauty, value, and possibility.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Dambo, his mission, and the stories behind his beloved trolls.

This event is sponsored by the Cities of Elk Horn and Kimballton, the Museum of Danish America, the Mike and Lou Howard Foundation, Shelby County State Bank, Marne Elk Horn Communications, and the Danish Windmill.

Brown Bag Lunch - The Wall That Heals
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Join us this April for a Brown Bag Lunch centered on The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that honors the more than 3 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War.

This powerful presentation will explore the story behind the 375-foot wall, which bears the names of 58,281 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, and how its traveling exhibit continues to educate and unite communities across the country. Learn how the mobile memorial—transported by a 53-foot trailer that transforms into an interactive education center—brings history, remembrance, and reflection to towns like ours.

The talk will also preview this summer’s visit of The Wall That Heals to Manning, Iowa, giving attendees a glimpse of what to expect from the 24-hour public exhibit, open July 23–26.

This free program invites community members of all ages to reflect, learn, and honor those who served.

SPARK! Danish Easter Traditions
2026-04-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Learn about Påske, or Easter in Denmark, during this month’s SPARK! programming. Explore how Danes decorate for the holiday, the traditions and activities they enjoy, what’s served at a classic Påskefrokost, and the playful history behind gækkebreve.

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.

MoDA @ the Library
2026-04-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Elk Horn Public Library, 2027 Washington St, Elk Horn, iowa, 51531, United States
Hop into MoDA @ the Library this month and discover Påske—the Danish way to celebrate Easter. Kids will explore colorful decorations, fun traditions, classic Påskefrokost foods, and the playful mystery of gækkebreve!

The Greenland Monument: A Century of Danish-Greenlandic Relations
2026-03-28 11:00 - 12:00 | iowa
Live on Zoom + In-Person Viewing at the Museum

In this timely conversation, Martine Lind Krebs explores the complex colonial history between Denmark and Greenland through the story of the Greenland Monument in Copenhagen. Erected in the 1930s, when Greenland was still a Danish colony and Norway had annexed parts of Eastern Greenland, the monument remains standing in central Copenhagen, even as other colonial monuments have been removed or defaced.

Through the lens of this monument, Martine reveals how Denmark has viewed Greenland over the past century. She also shares the powerful story of Greenlandic politicians’ protests at the International Court of Justice in The Hague and highlights how Greenlandic leaders, activists, and artists have continually challenged Danish narratives about their land.

This webinar offers historical insight, contemporary relevance, and an opportunity to reflect on memory, identity, and representation.

Attend live via Zoom or join us at the museum for an in-person viewing experience.

Free with registration. Please register by March 26, 2026.

This webinar is sponsored by Danish board member Erik Nørkjær and a dedicated member of the MoDA board.

MoDA after Dark
2026-03-26 16:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-12 16:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-05 16:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-26 16:00 - 20:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
MoDA will extend its hours to be open until 8 pm every Thursday night. Look forward to evening programs, events, and relaxed opportunities to explore the museum. See you after dark!

LEGO Camp
2026-03-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Lied Irwin Public Library, 509 Ann Street, Irwin, Iowa, 51446, United States
On Friday, March 20, from 9 am to 3 pm, the Museum will collaborate with the Lied Irwin Public Library to host LEGO Camp!

During this camp, kids will become master LEGO builders through building challenges, creative storytelling, and collaborative “mega-builds.” Campers will bring their wildest brick-built dreams to life while exploring the history and design of LEGO.

This camp is open for all school-aged children and youth!

For more information, please contact the Lied Irwin Public Library at 712.782.3335.

Thomas Dambo Troll Open House
2026-03-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
A Thomas Dambo troll is coming to the Museum of Danish America in April 2026, and we need the support of a village to bring it to life!

At our open house, we’ll share details about the project, volunteer opportunities, and how YOU can take part in building something truly extraordinary.

Brown Bag Lunch - A Practical Farmer's Journey with Ron Rosmann
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Join MoDA as we welcome Ron Rosmann, a fourth-generation farmer with a 700-acre certified organic, diversified crop and livestock operation.

Recently, Ron published A Practical Farmer’s Journey: A History of Community, Stewardship, and Resilience. Part memoir and part critique of modern agriculture, the book traces the lives of immigrants and the founding of rural communities and their farms, examines the rise and consequences of industrialized, corporate agriculture, and explores how agricultural communities can move toward more sustainable, thoughtful farming practices.

The Brown Bag Lunch Program is made possible with financial support from former board member Dennis Andersen, Atlanta, GA.

View previous Brown Bag Lunches on the museum’s YouTube channel!

SPARK! Our Libraries
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
For this month’s SPARK! program, Paulette Madson, director of the Elk Horn Public Library, will present on why libraries are an essential resource for our communities. Paulette will also lead participants in making paper roses. All materials will be provided.

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.

MoDA @ the Library
2026-03-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Elk Horn Public Library, 2027 Washington St, Elk Horn, iowa, 51531, United States
Have you ever wondered how museums began? Before grand galleries and glass cases, there were cabinets of curiosities—wonderfully cluttered collections filled with everything from sparkling crystals to so-called “unicorn” horns.

In this program, kids will journey back in time to discover how these fascinating collections evolved into the museums we know today. Students will create their own miniature cabinet of curiosities, using tiny treasures, scrapbook paper, and labels to design their own pocket-sized museum!

This program is a collaboration between the Elk Horn Public Library and the Museum of Danish America.

Exhibition Opening - MoDA after Dark
2026-02-19 16:00 - 20:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Join us after dark to see a sneak preview of the new exhibition Wunderkammer: Curiosities from the Collection with Albert Ravenholt Curator of Danish-American Culture Adam Bierstedt. Light refreshments will be served.

Elk Horn History Trivia Night
2026-02-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Larsen’s Pub, 4206 Main Street, Elk Horn, Iowa, 51531, United States
Think you know everything there is to know about the Danish Villages?

Put your knowledge to the test at Elk Horn History Trivia Night, hosted by the Museum of Danish America and the Elk Horn Public Library! Join us at Larsen’s Pub in Elk Horn, Iowa, on February 17 at 6:30 pm for a fun evening of local history, friendly competition, and great company.

Valentine's Craft Night - MoDA after Dark
2026-02-12 16:00 - 20:00 | Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, IA, 51531, United States
Wander through the galleries and create a traditional Victorian valentine or a Danish woven heart valentine during Valentine’s Craft Night!

MoDA @ the Library
2026-02-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Elk Horn Public Library, 2027 Washington St, Elk Horn, iowa, 51531, United States
Join us for a charming, hands-on crafting afternoon where kids and families can explore the beautiful traditions of the 19th century. We’ll be diving into two distinct styles of handmade Valentines that have been shared for generations: julehjerter and the puzzle purse, a fold-out heart valentine from the Victorian era.

This program is a collaboration between the Elk Horn Public Library and the Museum of Danish America.
