Jottings

What a difference a year can make! Last year during our Fall Volunteer Week we were surrounded by empty space. A few tables were set up and some people were even working on the floor. Since then we have had major changes in facilities, business and personnel.

Dr. John W. Nielsen’s resignation as the Archive’s Executive Director marks a turning point in the history of the Danish American Archive and Library. He will continue as Director Emeritus and will have the same desk in the same office as before, so despite his altered role, there will be continuity.

The headline that until last week The Danish American Archive and Library could only savor in hope and anticipation is a reality; DAAL has finally been granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

The Danish American Archive and Library closed 2010 having successfully met the first of three significant challenges, that of moving its vast store of materials and finding a new location for its operation. Two more, however, must be faced.

With the release of Gustaf Munch-Petersen: Selected Poems in June, Lur Publications launches a new publishing venture in which it will introduce American readers to significant works that have appeared in Denmark. This work of Danish poetry has been translated by Brian Young of Port Townsend, Washington.

In keeping with The Danish American Archive and Library’s goal to keep abreast of activities in the Danish American community in the United States, Associate Director Jill Hennick and her husband Michael will be attending the Farstrup-Mortensen Lectures in Solvang, February 26-28.

The ranks of DAAL volunteers were increased this October when seven new workers appeared. They were Pam Crowell and Diane Jordan, Elsie Moreau’s daughters from Maine; Julie Johnson, Dody Johnson’s daughter; from Ohio; Audrey Hanson from Idaho; Larry Plume, Palma Plume’s husband, from Colorado, and Jens and Eileen Simonsen from Nebraska.

At its July meeting the board of The Danish American Archive and Library promoted Jill Hennick from Archive Assistant to Associate Director and elected Dr. Timothy Jensen as Chairman of the Board. These two actions will offer additional relief to the Director with Tim being responsible for most DAAL external administrative relationships and Jill assuming even greater responsibility for internal operations.

Two three-year spots will be filled at the annual meeting of The Danish American Archive and Library during the Volunteer Week in October. Board members must attempt to be present at both the April and October archive weeks at their own expense.