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IN THE NEWS at the ELVERHØJ MUSEUM
Spring-Summer 2010 |
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DANISH AMBASSADOR VISITS
Elverhøj Museum of History and Art was ground zero for an international meet and greet.
On July 11, Danish Ambassador to the United States Friis Arne Petersen arrived for a whirlwind 25-hour visit to the Danish capital of America. Petersen spent the day touring the city, visiting with business owners, and sampling local cuisine. Afterward, the Ambassador and his wife Birgitte Wilhelmsen were welcomed with a reception at Elverhøj Museum, where he mingled with more than 170 area Danes and dignitaries. He also gave a speech about Danish-U.S. relations and his visit to Solvang.
Petersen was in Solvang for his first visit at the invitation of Esther Jacobsen Bates, Executive Director of the Elverhoøj Museum. “Ambassador Petersen and the staff at the Danish Embassy are a vital link in the cultural exchange between Solvang and Denmark,” said Bates. “I am so pleased that he was able to reschedule his trip to Solvang.”
Petersen had originally been scheduled for a three-day tour of Solvang in April, but a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded flights across Europe where he had traveled for business.
When the ambassador addressed the crowd, he spoke about the strengthening bonds between the United States and Denmark. “Solvang is the most Danish place I’ve seen in the USA. How can you be so Danish, yet so American? Denmark has never had a better or stronger relationship with the United States than we do today.”
The ambassador complimented Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley on its creative blending of agriculture, tourism and business. He spoke about the structural changes in Denmark that have moved many away from agricultural production and said he admired the Santa Ynez Valley’s ability to integrate agriculture into its lifestyle. “All in all a very creative way of making a living,” he said.
“Everything I’ve seen shows that Solvang is really alive,” Petersen said. He pointed out that cooperation between Solvang and Denmark would not just be visits from dignitaries. The ambassador spoke of the importance of both cultural and economic joint ventures as part of Solvang’s 2011 centennial celebration.
“Sometimes we keep the best to the end,” said Petersen, who begins his posting as the Danish Ambassador to China in September.
After his speech, the ambassador did a lot of handshaking and got to know the people of the Valley. He attended a private dinner in his honor and enjoyed a breakfast at a Solvang bakery before flying back to his residence at the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
SOLVANG CENTENNIAL
 The Solvang Centennial Committee has been organized to honor and promote the 100 years of Solvang’s existence as a community that blends Danish culture and heritage into a quality of life and visitor experience through a yearlong series of events for the enrichment of past and current residents and visitors.
The logo (right) was selected from a field of more than 150 submissions from around the world. It will be featured prominently in all print advertising, media, merchandizing and more during the yearlong historical celebration.
The Centennial Committee selected the original work of Michele Jane, a native of Santa Barbara and 20-year artist, painter, and free-lance graphic designer, and awarded her the $1,000 prize for the original logo depicted here. According to Jane, This logo incorporates the festive ribbon that spans from Denmark to America over the 100 years, the incredible beauty of the mountains, vineyards, oaks and sunny fields as well as the Danish culture with the windmill. The style is current but refers to the clean lines of Danish design.
More Centennial information can be found at a new website dedicated to the yearlong celebration, www.Solvang100.com. Event calendars will be updated and expanded as activities are finalized. The website also has a blog with individual Solvang stories and you are invited to participate. If you have resided in, been inspired by, visited, and otherwise been impacted by Solvang, your comments are welcome. The process is all very quick and easy!
Elverhøj has a leadership role in the Centennial planning and celebrations. Look for more information in the media and in upcoming editions of the Elverhøj newsletter.
SOLVANG: PRESERVE AMERICA COMMUNITY
The City of Solvang celebrated its official, federally recognized “Preserve America Community” designation from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation at a reception and ceremony at Elverhøj in March. The event was sponsored by the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) and attended by more than 60 dignitaries and Preserve Solvang Visionary Leaders.
Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to protect and celebrate their heritage, use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs.
Almost two years ago, the SCVB began the process to become a “Preserve America Community.” On September 22, 2008, Solvang City Council passed Resolution No. 08-811, authorizing the Mayor and SCVB to execute the lengthy Preserve America application. The Elverhøj Museum joined with the SCVB to collaborate on the application.
On October 7, 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama sent the official letter of designation to Mayor Jim Richardson and the citizens of Solvang acknowledging the honor. In March 2010, the official road sign arrived (now installed on the city limits near 1230 Mission Drive/Hwy 246), along with the official designation plaque unveiled at the reception.
Solvang is one of only 30 communities in California and 814 communities in the USA to have received this honor since the program’s inception in 2003. There are many benefits of designation including eligibility to apply for Preserve America grants, obtain Preserve America Community signage, listing in a Web-based Preserve America Community directory, and being featured in National Register Travel Itineraries and in “Teaching with Historic Places” curricular material created by the National Park Service.
More than 60 dignitaries and Preserve Solvang Visionary Leaders celebrated the unveiling of Solvang’s Preserve America Community designation plaque at a reception at Elverhøj. Pictured (left to right) are: Solvang City Manager Brad Vidro, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation Executive Director Dr. Jarrell Jackman, Elverhøj Museum Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates, Santa Barbara County Third District Supervisor Doreen Farr, Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson (holding plaque), Chairman of Solvang Centennial Committee and Solvang City Councilmember Ed Skytt, CA Travel & Tourism representative Jean Johnstone, California State Parks & Recreation Channel Islands District Superintendent Richard Rozzelle, and Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Tracy Farhad.
For more information about Preserve America see www.preserveamerica.gov and its official description of Solvang.
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.
CRAFT COMMITTEE
Danes are known for their handmade Christmas crafts — and so is Elverhøj! A group of volunteers fashion special items for display and sale in the Museum Store. We invite you to join in the fun while keeping the tradition of Old World crafts alive. The group, which meets the first Wednesday of the month, is led by docents and is open to all.
 Dedicated volunteers have been gathering for years, providing our visitors with a little piece of Danish heritage to take home. This May they met in the Museum Gallery, where a blend of history and ample natural light makes for a perfect meeting place. (Pictured are Maggie LePley, Tara Wood, Sonja Cartwright and Shirley Heap.)
Part of Elverhøj’s mission is to preserve Danish culture and promote the arts. The Craft Committee does this by providing crafting lessons and high-quality materials to work with, some of which come from Scandinavia. Handmade items may include “Jule Nisser” (traditional Danish Christmas elves), paper stars, woven hearts, needlepoint cones, tiny crocheted scarves, and more.
It is with great pride that Elverh’j offers you the opportunity to participate in learning Danish crafts, preserving a little history, and enjoying a morning with friends and fellow crafters here at the Museum.
The Craft Committee meets the first Wednesday of the month, between 10 am and noon, in the Museum Gallery. Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. If youd like to register, you can do so via email to info@elverhoj.org or by phone at (805) 686-1211. There is no charge to participate.
NEW BRANDT-ERICHSEN FAMILY BOOKS
Elverhøj Museum was the home designed and built by artists Viggo and Martha Mott “Patt” Brandt-Erichsen in the 1950s and then gifted as a museum in the 1980s. Elverhøj is pleased to offer these newly available books on the Brandt-Erichsen family.
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The Four-Leafed Clover
A Biography of Viggo Brandt-Erichsen (1896-1955)
181 pages, 31 illustrations.
In 1962, Viggo’s wife Patt produced a draft manuscript about Viggo, which also included an autobiography of herself. Their son David has recently edited, illustrated, and published this manuscript, generously granting the copyright to Elverhøj. It is available for purchase or free download.
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Viggo Thor Brandt-Erichsen, 1939-2008
160 pages, 79 photographs.
Viggo’s son Thor, an artist in his own right, spent most of his adult life in Alaska, where he combined a career in printing with painting and Alaskan adventures. This biography of Thor has been written by his son Scott and is available for purchase or free download in PDF format.
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Unconventional Wisdom — A Memoir
By Jean Nandi (formerly Jean Brandt-Erichsen)
229 pages
This courageous and insightful autobiography by Jean Nandi (musician, zoologist, disability rights activist, and Patt Brandt-Erichsen’s daughter) is available as a free download (also available are three music books by Jean). More information. |
ELVERHØJ RECEIVES GRANT
Elverhøj was greatly honored to be one of ten recipients of an annual Montecito Bank & Trust Anniversary Grant. Bank employees nominated and voted for various non-profit organizations. The top ten each received a $3,500 grant — up from the customary $1,500 amount — in honor of the bank’s 35th anniversary.
The grants were presented at a March 17 reception at the bank’s main branch in Santa Barbara. Chairman of the Board Michael Towbes said, “This is the eighteenth year we have made these Anniversary Grants, and I am particularly pleased that the recipient organizations are chosen by a vote of all the bank’s employees. This gives them a personal stake in the decision, and I believe it encourages all of our staff to learn more about the nonprofit organizations which are so important to this community.”
A short video presentation about each organization was screened during the Anniversary Grants reception. Cox Communications in Goleta donated time and resources to create a custom video featuring Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates explaining Elverhøj’s mission.
Early in 2011 Montecito Bank will spotlight Elverhøj in various ways: on lobby posters, in bank website announcements, etc. Both the generous grant and the publicity will be very valuable to Elverhøj.
FROM AFGHANISTAN TO SOLVANG
 A group of community members, friends and family gathered at Elverhøj to learn about Kristen Farnum’s recent work in Afghanistan. A slide show illustrated the talk describing her nine months with a team based in the northeastern region, not far from the capital of Kabul. Kristen now lives in Washington D.C., but she is a graduate of local schools, the University of Oregon, and the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
“The position I trained for was that of a social scientist,” Kristen explained. In August of 2008, she began several months of intensive training with the U.S. Army’s Human Terrain System (HTS) program at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. The core mission of Human Terrain Teams is to help the U.S. military at the brigade and division levels understand the Iraqi and Afghani populations they work with on a range of non-lethal activities. The phrase “non-lethal,” she explained, encompasses everything from hosting local leaders for discussions about neighborhood watch programs to researching and recommending appropriate ways for military units to work with local partners on development projects.
“The majority of our collaborative efforts were geared toward figuring out how local farmers and their families could maintain their way of life whilst improving their relationship with the Afghan government from the sub-district to national levels,” Farnum stated. “The Afghan men and women with whom I had the pleasure of developing relationships had concerns particular to their area and current predicament. The lives of those living in the communities outside the Army base were at once simple and awfully complex, with thirty years of war and social conflict weighting their every decision.”
“My experiences in Afghanistan, as in other foreign countries I have had the opportunity to work in, compelled comparison with my hometown of the Santa Ynez Valley,” Kristen said. “As disparate as the average income in the apple-farming valleys of Afghanistan is in relation to the average Valley resident, core issues bore a surprising resemblance, with water and land disputes paramount to the local political arena.”
NEEDED: DOCENTS
Thirty-four volunteer docents assist 13,500 visitors annually! Docents are the Museum’s welcoming face and informed voice. We invite you to join this enthusiastic group of volunteers. All you need is an appreciation of history, Danish culture and/or art and people. You dont need to know Solvang’s history before volunteering. We have handbooks, videos, and an array of exhibits that will teach you all that you want to know. You will have the support of an experienced team of docents as well as staff to help you.
Our doors stay open because of the dedication and reliability of our docents. Most docents come to the Museum two or three days a month, volunteering for shifts from two to four hours. Some of our docents especially enjoy teaming up with a friend. Many also volunteer at artist receptions, school tours, and other special events. As you can see from the numbers above (13,350 visitors annually but only 34 docents) we need more docents!
As a member of the Elverhøj team, you will contribute your talents and energies to improve the Museum’s services. 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. Perhaps best of all is the wonderful feeling of belonging to a group that benefits the entire community.
If you’d like to become a docent, or volunteer in some other capacity, please contact us at (805) 686-1211 or send an email to info@elverhoj.org. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!
DANISH PRESS DELEGATION
 A group of Danish journalists spent five winter days in Solvang on an extensive familiarization visit. Their first stop was a tour of Elverhøj. During their Solvang visit they were treated to meals, special visits, and tours. The journalists had interviews with area Danes, including vintner Peter Work of Ampelos Vineyards, pictured demonstrating pruning techniques for the journalists. As a result of the visit, several feature articles have already appeared in prominent Danish publications such as Politiken and Belingske Tidende and more will be published later this year and in 2011.
SUMMER INTERN
We are pleased to welcome summer intern Jessica Schley. A Santa Ynez native, she is returning to the area to work at Elverhøj for the summer. She will be assisting with archival research, collections management, and museum operations.
A spring 2010 graduate of University of California at Berkeley with a BA in American Studies, Jessica plans to focus her career on conservation issues. She is an avid horse person, and looks forward to summer on the family ranch in Happy Canyon where she grew up with her horses, Opy, Opera and Wisdom.
This fall Jessica departs for France to spend five months continuing her research into worldwide conservation policies. She will stay in Paris and also plans to visit friends and family in Germany, Norway, Spain and England.
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
 As I sit at my desk and look out the windows of my office, I see the Elverhøj gardens, lush and full of color after the abundant spring rains. The longer days bring an increase in the number of visitors coming to the Museum. Many come to learn about Solvang’s history and Danish roots; others come to see what’s new in the art gallery. While the motivation behind a trip to Elverhøj can vary widely, the common ingredient is the desire to learn something new.
Many visitors come to Elverhøj in search of knowledge about the cross-cultural ties that bind Solvang and Denmark. As Solvang nears its 2011 Centennial, we are experiencing a phenomenal surge in requests for historical and cultural information. We are working on new and creative ways to share information through displays, events, and commemorative projects. Exciting collaborations for 2011 are in the planning stages and will bolster the footprint of Elverhøj on both a regional and international level.
The Royal Danish Embassy in Washington D.C. has been a valuable source of cultural information and contacts. In 2005, Danish Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen invited me to join the Cultural Frontrunners, a network of people dedicated to promoting Danish culture in the U.S. Over the years, the Frontrunners have launched a great number of Danish events across the country — Danish film festivals, design and graphic art exhibitions, happenings and tributes to Danish heritage in the United States. Examples of Frontrunner activities at Elverhøj have included art gallery exhibitions, traveling displays, and more.
Collaborations are key to successful operations at Elverhøj. We work with area Museums and non-profits to maximize our impact with minimal staff. We depend on a dedicated team of volunteers. They have a huge impact and assist with all museum operations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that U.S. museums benefit from an astounding 1 million volunteer hours each week. I invite you to become part of this American phenomenon. As a member of the Elverhøj team, you will contribute your talents and energies to improve the Museum’s services, meet new people, and have fun in the process.
I invite you to visit Elverhøj: Pause and take in a new art exhibition. Read about the automobile coming to Solvang. Bring your child or grandchild to the “Dive Into Summer” art workshop. Make a craft. Summer is a great time to visit and discover something new!
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. |
