Museum of Danish America Announces Leadership Transition
The Museum of Danish America announces that Executive Director Tova Brandt will conclude her tenure with the organization on October 31, 2025. Brandt has served the museum for sixteen years, beginning in 2009 as the Albert Ravenholt Curator of Danish-American Culture before being appointed Executive Director in January 2020.
During her tenure, Brandt guided the Museum of Danish America through a period of significant growth, national recognition, and enriched educational and cultural initiatives. In her role as curator, Brandt’s leadership in exhibitions and collections care supported the museum’s accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums in 2017, underscoring its commitment to excellence in stewardship and education.
Brandt was instrumental in developing and expanding the museum’s traveling exhibitions program, sharing the stories of Danish immigration and Danish-American life with audiences nationwide. Among her many accomplishments, she led the development of Skål! Scandinavian Spirits, a national traveling exhibition (2015–2019) exploring the shared traditions of beer and aquavit in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and their continuation in Scandinavian-American communities. She also oversaw the museum’s 40th anniversary celebrations across the country, fostered significant growth in the museum’s Danish ceramics collection, and championed new outreach initiatives—including educational programs, summer camps, and hands-on experiences that invite learners of all ages to explore history, art, and design through a Danish lens.
Reflecting on her time at the museum, Brandt shared:
“It has been an honor to serve the Museum of Danish America and to witness its growth and evolution over the past sixteen years—from my early years as curator through my time as executive director. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together and the dedication of this remarkable staff.
For personal reasons, I am seeking opportunities that will allow me to spend more time closer to my family.
Thank you for your commitment to the museum’s mission and for the support and collaboration I have experienced throughout my time here. I look forward to seeing the museum thrive in the years ahead.”
The Museum of Danish America Board of Directors and staff extend their deepest gratitude to Brandt for her dedication, leadership, and vision. “Tova’s impact on the museum and the broader Danish-American community cannot be overstated,” said Amelia Juhl, Communications Manager. “Her commitment to scholarship, outreach, and excellence has strengthened this institution and prepared it for a vibrant future.”
Erik Andersen, who previously served as President of the Board of Directors, will act as Interim Executive Director, while Philip Lund, formerly the Board of Directors’ Vice President, was elected Board President. The museum will undertake a comprehensive and thoughtful search process to define and fill the position of Executive Director in alignment with its mission and strategic goals.
The Museum of Danish America remains committed to honoring its mission of celebrating Danish roots and American dreams through exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural partnerships.