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Danish Immigrant Museum Presents Church Basements and Children’s Homes: Danish-American Missions Here and Abroad

The Danish Immigrant Museum presents Church Basements and Children’s Homes: Danish-American Missions Here and Abroad. Open April 16 to October 31, 2011.

Installed in the museum’s mezzanine gallery, this exhibition explores the efforts made by Danish-American congrgations to support vulnerable members of society – both in the United States and around the world. One key example is the Elim Children’s Home, operating in Elk Horn from 1890 to 1961. Global efforts reached Japan, India, and Sudan, connecting Danish-American communities with the wider world.
This exhibition is made possible by a grant from Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Danish Immigrant Museum was founded in 1983 to preserve the history of Danish immigration to America. In 1994 the first phase building, reminiscent of Danish architecture was completed, housing significant artifacts important to the interpretation of the Danish immigration story.

The museum’s artifact collection of over 35,000 artifacts is diverse and wide ranging. There are family heirlooms brought from Denmark, remarkable examples of needlework, tools of early immigrant tradesmen and memorabilia from Danish-American clubs and organizations. Many of the items on display are treasures which have been passed down through the generations in Danish families.

The Danish Immigrant Museum
2212 Washington Street
Elk Horn, Iowa 51531
Telephone 712.764.7001 . Toll Free 800.759.9192 . Fax 712.764.7002
www.danishmuseum.org

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