Museum

Danish Canadian National Museum &

Gardens

Velkommen - Welcome

Our Vision

Creating a site that continues to enhance the understanding of

the Danish Canadian heritage

Our Mission

To preserve and promote the culture and history of the Danes in Canada for a greater understanding and celebration of all humanity.

The Danish Canadian National Museum Society was established in 1992 by Danes from across Canada meeting in Innisfail, Alberta at the Annual Conference of the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada. A feasibility study recommended that the Museum and Archives could be located in Dickson, Alberta and that there should be a two-phase plan. Phase One would be the development of the existing building and gardens. Phase Two would be the building of a fully modern National Museum and Archives.

Verbena Dormitory

Much of Phase One has been completed. We re-developed the dormitory school. We have established both our flower gardens and our pioneer vegetable garden. We have completed the Dagmar Pioneer Church, our own Little Mermaid, the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Hut and much more. We opened our Museum Displays, Coffee House and Gift Shop in June 2000 and celebrated our Grand Opening on May 26, 2002, just 10 years after our founding meeting.

The National Museum and Gardens are supported by the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada.

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National Museum

The building was erected as a dormitory school in 1933, to provide an opportunity for rural children to attend high school. Fifteen girls resided in the five bedrooms on the upper floor, while the boys stayed at nearby farms. Two large rooms served as classrooms and dining room. The building remained as a high school until a public school was built in Dickson, Alberta. The dormitory school closed in 1935.

With minimal changes the building is now completely functional, containing several rooms of Danish-Canadian artifacts and family stories, along with a reading library and a Hans Christian Andersen story room. It is also the home of the Dormitory Coffee House and Gift Shop.

With all of these features in place, and located in the beautiful surroundings of our 13 acre gardens and other attractions, the Danish Canadian National Museum serves as a fitting location to remember our Danish heritage.