• Valley Wines and Valentines
• 2010 Membership Drive Underway
• Sundowner at Elverhøj
• Kid's Passport Program
• In Appreciation of Docents
• Christmas Party Fun
• Cheers for Volunteers!
• Biography of Thor Brandt-Erichsen
• DVD Chronicles Solvang History
• Funds Granted
• Director’s Notes
• Museum Brochure
• Weddings at Elverhøj

Sunday February 14
VALLEY WINES & VALENTINES
 
Join us as we celebrate Valentine's Day with our annual fundraiser, Valley Wines and Valentines.  This years event will be held from 5 to 7PM on Sunday February 14.
 
There will be plenty of Valentine's Day treats, including appetizers, a sumptuous cheese board, fruit and chocolates. A variety of award-winning local wines will be available for tasting. “She's My Band” members Carole Ann Colone on percussion and Pamela Harris on pedal harp will return to entertain guests. 
 
Admission is $10 per person which includes a logo wine glass, wine tasting, non-alcoholic beverages, food and entertainment.
 
The winners of Elverhøj's Fabulous Valentine Raffle will be drawn during the event. Grand Prize is “Cupid's Wine Cellar,” a 24-bottle wine collection donated by local vintners. Two lucky First Prize winners will each receive 12 bottles of selected wines. A wealth of additional prizes, ranging from gift baskets and certificates to wine and treats, will be awarded at the event.
 
Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. They are available for purchase at Elverhøj. Invitations, which include five raffle tickets, will be mailed to members.
 
Our traditional silent auction will feature a small but select number of highly desirable items including special wine magnums, gift certificates and baskets.
 
Proceeds from this event fund Museum programs, exhibits, services and facilities. For more information or to obtain tickets, phone the Museum at (805) 686-1211.

2010 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE UNDERWAY

We invite you to support the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art by being a member for 2010. The museum depends on your support to sustain programs, services and facilities. Memberships and donations make an important contribution to the museum's financial foundation and the preservation of archives unique to our area, as well as provide support for exhibitions, events, classes and services.
 
Membership privileges include:

• Invitations to all museum events and exhibits, including the annual Christmas party
• Fee discounts and priority registration for classes and events
• 10% discount on most Museum Store purchases
• Quarterly newsletter
• Free admission & private tours

SUNDOWNER AT ELVERHØJ

“Sundowner,” a safari-inspired sunset dinner and Elverhøj's first major fundraiser, was a smashing success. It was presented on October 17 in conjunction with the Susan Jørgensen photography exhibit, “Out of Africa.” Everything about the evening — the balmy weather, the decorations, the atmosphere, the music and dancing, the food, the good company — was magical.
 
Guests, dressed in outfits that suggested African safaris, journeyed to Elverhøj via jeep transport (thanks to Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours). The museum and grounds had been transformed. Flickering fire torches lined the main walkway; models of African animals lurked in the shrubbery. As they entered, guests were greeted by the beat of drums in the Main Room which was decorated with masks, fabrics and sculptures. The gallery walls were hung with striking photographs from Jørgensen's recent African safaris.
 
In the gallery guests were offered delectable hors doeuvres — Chachanga, Akara, LM prawns — along with wine or original Sundowner cocktails. The museum's back patio and garden had been changed into a tented al fresco dining room and theater venue. Rows of lights twinkled overhead, candles gleamed on brightly patterned African tablecloths. Centerpieces were planters with lush succulents.
 
As the sun set, guests were served with a gourmet four-course menu filled with exotic, elegantly prepared African-themed dishes. First came mouth-watering sweet potatoes, plantain, green and heirloom tomatoes. The second course was delicious fish wrapped in banana leaf. This was followed by polenta and a superb dish of plantains with beef. Dessert was luscious fruit salad accompanied by cornmeal cookies, coffee or tea.
 
A highlight of the nights festivities was a special auction. Imaginative prizes were auctioned by Elverhøj board member Chris Nielsen. These included a safari to a private vineyard and winery plus a double magnum of wine; a tide pool safari along the Gaviota Coast; a safari to the stars; and a special party for 25 guests at Elverhøj. Guests were generous in the bids, because all the proceeds, they knew, went to the museum.
 
Guests were also treated to the intricate rhythms of African drums by the music group Dancing Drums. Athletic dancers entertained with gravity-defying African dance steps. Later, guests got up to dance themselves and made their own melodies by banging skins, shaking tambourines, and twisting maracas. They even tried their hand as percussionists, as they experimented with the drums. The museum hummed and echoed to the rhythmic beat! Everyone was having fun, as Elverhøj wrapped up a major social and fundraising success.

KID’S PASSPORT PROGRAM

The Passport program offers a wonderful opportunity for students in kindergarten through 6th grade by providing free admission for them, along with one accompanying adult, to over 30 different cultural, historic, recreation, and scientific institutions in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. Included along with Elverhøj are the Santa Barbara Zoo, UCSB Marine Institute, the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens and others. All are members of the Santa Barbara Educators Roundtable.

The program runs through April 30. Students who visit 8 organizations can earn a free T-shirt. For more information or to download a copy of the Passport and participating institutions, visit www.sbert.org.

IN APPRECIATION OF DOCENTS
 
Docents are an integral part of the museum and we depend on their generous donation of time and effort to keep our doors open to the public. They are the welcoming faces and informed voices representing the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art and serve as advocates within the community. 
 
We invite you to join our enthusiastic group of docents. All you need is an interest in and appreciation of Solvang's history, Danish cultural heritage and/or art. We ask that you be ready to commit to one or two shifts per month; each shift is three to four hours. In return, you will meet a great group of volunteers and visitors, learn about your community, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of special outings and events at area institutions.
 
Please stop by and see our docents in action or call (805) 686-1211 for more information.

CHRISTMAS PARTY FUN

The annual Members and Friends Christmas Party was held on Sunday evening, December 6. The museum glowed with lights and laughter as more than 200 people gathered to celebrate the holiday in traditional Danish style. Live music and the Danish Christmas tradition of dancing around the tree were the highlight of the evening's festivities. Else Statum and family led an enthusiastic group that circled the 12-foot tree hand-in-hand singing traditional Danish and American Christmas songs.
 
The event included and abundance of good cheer and Danish specialty foods such as open-face sandwiches, homemade Christmas cookies and chocolates.  More than 800 open-faced sandwiches were made and served by volunteers. Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by to greet guests, taking time to listen to Christmas wishes and hand out toys to the children.
 
A special thank you to Marie Jaeger and the 20 volunteers who created another wonderful event. “Tusind Tak” (1,000 thanks) to the event sponsors: Ingeborg's Homemade Chocolates, Nielsen's Market and Olsen's Danish Village Bakery. 
 
CHEERS FOR VOLUNTEERS!
 
Elverhøj volunteers were honored at a festive holiday brunch on December 15. A group of 50 volunteers gathered at The Belgian Café for a decadent buffet. The tables were festively decorated with a gift of appreciation for each volunteer. Ken Johnson, president of the board of directors, welcomed the group. Honored for their service and involvement were docents, board members, committee chairpersons and volunteers.

BIOGRAPHY OF THOR BRANDT-ERICHSEN

An illustrated biography of Thor Brandt-Erichsen written by his son Scott is now available. The 160-page book includes 79 photos. It is available in several formats:

• Free download in PDF format in color.
• Purchase black and white paperback at cost for $6.38 plus shipping.
• Purchase color hardbound at cost for $46 plus shipping.

DVD CHRONICLES SOLVANG HISTORY

Danes are curious people. When they immigrated to America they often kept in touch with each other. When a group of Danes found a good place to farm and live they told others to come join them. Such a place is Solvang, California. . . .

So begins a newly-produced DVD now screening in Elverhøj’s Solvang Room and available in the Museum Store for $15. Entitled Solvang, Danish Colony in California, it tells the fascinating history of a little town that grew into an internationally-known tourist destination.
 
Personal interviews bring to life the pioneering Danish families that made Solvang flourish. These early settlers had a great capacity for work, but also for enjoyment. When times were tough they persevered and helped one another. They came to love their new home, but always treasured their Danish background. Priceless old photographs and more contemporary images supplement their rich oral history.
 
June Christensen, Elverhøj board member, was the executive producer and researcher on this project. People interviewed include: Elise Lindegaard Bates, Thor Brandt-Erichsen, Harlan Burchardi, Elisa Larsen Duus, Erik Gregersen, Leona Ibsen, Regina Iversen, Ivo Nedegaard Jacobsen, Marie Tarnow Jaeger, Florence (Flossie) Jensen, Eiler Johansen, Anker Johnson, Monica Fauerso Kramer, Elna Larsen, Daryl Nielsen, Donald Nielsen, Kathryn Iversen Nielsen, Roger Nielsen, Edna Paaske, Abeline Jensen Petersen, Robert Petersen, William Petersen, Else Jensen Statom, Marian Johnson Walker, Gerda Svendsen Willis, Lucille Wulff, and Viggo Richard Wulff.
 
An informative narration by videographer Bent Myggen sets these interviews in context. Myggen also did camera work, editing and production. Funding for the DVD project came from the Santa Barbara Foundation, The Valley Foundation, and private donors.
 
To order the Solvang, Danish Colony in California DVD for $15, email info@elverhoj.org or call the Museum at 805-686-1211. This will be a keepsake to treasure and an imaginative gift for family and friends.

FUNDS GRANTED
 
The Elverhøj Museum depends on financial support from memberships, donations and gifts. A grant was recently received from The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation. The $10,000 gift will be used for benches, new office equipment and general operating support.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

What an outstanding year it has been at Elverhøj Museum! We have welcomed a record number of visitors — a 15% increase over last year. As usual, we reach out to both children and adults. This year we developed special educational activities for family visitors, and continued our tours for school children. Creative classes for both young people and adults have proved very popular. (The children's drawing class with a live horse for a model was a huge hit!) In addition, community groups have discovered Elverhøj as the perfect place for tours and meetings, both formal and informal.
 
Some other highlight of 2009: The historical exhibits in the Solvang Room were updated and renovated. Videos of Solvang's priceless oral history were made into a fast-selling DVD. We presented a variety of invigorating art shows in various media and styles, from collage and assemblage to Out of Africa photography. Each show was accompanied by auxiliary events like educational lectures, special classes, demonstrations, or story-telling. Then there was our first major fundraiser, the wonderfully successful African-themed Sundowner dinner, as well as widely popular traditional events like Valley Wines & Valentines and the Christmas Party.
 
Careful budgeting and oversight has allowed us to continue maintaining and improving the facilities (started when we assumed ownership in 2007). The front entry walkway and the stairs to the office areas were restored and made more accessible. Some interior areas received a fresh coat of paint; more remains to be done.  Plans for improvements in the back garden are in the works too.
 
The key elements of our success are volunteers and members. The energized group of more than 70 volunteers regularly contributes time and expertise to all Museum operations. Committee members help with education, finances, facility maintenance, fundraising, special events, art exhibits, history, the Museum Store, and more. Friendly docents share their knowledge of Solvang's rich history and culture. I can not thank all these people enough for their valuable contributions!
 
Membership dues provide the basis for our annual operating income and are the financial backbone for all programs and services. Each membership makes a difference — especially in challenging economic times. Elverhøj's sustainability and security has been enhanced by generous contributions to our endowment fund. 
 
For 2010 we are planning a wide array of programming, exhibits and events. Preparations for the Solvang Centennial, a year-long celebration in 2011, are ongoing. Look for much more news about these in the coming months.
 
I am extremely grateful to you, our members and supporters, for the inspiration, dedication and vision you provide. I extend my sincere gratitude and look forward to seeing you at Elverhøj. Happy New Year!

Esther Jacobsen Bates

MUSEUM BROCHURE

The Elverhøj brochure was redesigned in 2008 for a fresh, new look. There are updated photos and expanded text relating the history of Solvang. Special thanks to Rob Jensen Art Direction Design, members of the Santa Ynez Valley Camera Club, and our sponsors: The Valley Foundation, The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, and Solvang Rotary Foundation.

Download the museum Brochure

WEDDINGS AT ELVERHØJ

The historic building and carefully manicured cottage gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for intimate weddings.  The garden with its abundant year-round blooms and corner gazebo creates a lovely setting for any wedding party. The bell in its stately tower can chime, marking the presentation of the newly married couple.

The garden area comfortably accommodates up to 150 guests. Call (805) 686-9533 for information about availability and the reasonable rates.