Happy Danes on the Plains, a Celebration of Danish Culture and Heritage

January 23, 2025

Celebrate Danish culture and heritage at the grand opening of the Happy Danes on the Plains exhibit at Grand View University! This exciting event will take place on Thursday, January 30, at 4:30 PM in the Student Center Photo Gallery, located just outside the cafeteria. This event is sponsored by the Ravenholt Endowment.

The event will feature a special lecture by Tova Brandt, Executive Director of the Museum of Danish America (MoDA). Tova will delve into the rich history and lasting influence of Danish communities in America, offering valuable insights into their contributions and enduring cultural presence.

Following the presentation, a reception will provide an opportunity for guests to connect, enjoy refreshments, and further discuss the fascinating story behind the Danish-American experience.

Happy Danes on the Plains – A Traveling Exhibit

The lecture is presented in conjunction with a traveling exhibition of the same name, which will be on display in the Student Center through the month of February. The exhibit highlights the perseverance and cultural pride of Danish-American communities, focusing on their efforts to preserve Danish traditions and values, even into the 21st century.

This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore the story of Danish immigrants who settled in the Midwest and contributed significantly to the region's cultural and social fabric.

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, January 30
  • Time: 4:30 PM
  • Location: Student Center Photo Gallery (outside the cafeteria), Grand View University, 2811 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50316
  • Guest Speaker: Tova Brandt, Executive Director of the Museum of Danish America

The event and exhibition are free and open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. Whether you're interested in Danish-American history or simply looking to enjoy a cultural experience, this event promises to be a memorable occasion.

We hope to see you there!

About the Albert Ravenholt Visiting Scholars Endowment

Funds held in the Albert Ravenholt Visiting Scholars Endowment may be available for events that meet these criteria:

  1. Include any combination of public presentations, classroom presentations, informal discussions with students and faculty members, or visits with media representatives.
  2. Fit with any of these topic areas:
  • Connect Grundtvigian themes of educating the whole person with modern topics such as purpose, fulfillment, lifelong learning, happiness, health, and wellness.
  • Enable Grand View to play a lead role in the greater Des Moines community endeavors to be an exemplary center of wellness.
  • Celebrate Grand View’s Danish heritage of wellness, spiritual fulfillment, and happiness.
  • Commemorate Albert Ravenholt’s many contributions to international journalism, higher education, and Grand View University.

Grand View sincerely appreciates the opportunity to honor Albert Ravenholt, and is grateful to the Trustees of the Albert Ravenholt Fund for establishing this memorial at the University.