Donations to the Genealogy Center
The Genealogy Center (formerly the Family History & Genealogy Center) is the Museum of Danish America's research library. We collect a wide variety of books and print material pertaining to Danish immigrants, their families and descendants, Danish-American communities, churches and institutions, as well as background information on immigration and Danish local and national history and culture. We are particularly interested in family, church, and institutional histories, and Danish local histories and genealogical compilations.
Most of the Genealogy Center collection has been donated to the museum. Unfortunately, much valuable material tends to be discarded as people down-size or die, particularly if the items in question are in a foreign language.
Although we cannot accept everything offered, we do appreciate offers of books and other print materials, as well as copies of photographs and family documents. Contacting us ahead of time with a list of potential donations rather than just sending us the material saves time and money on both ends.
When unsolicited material is received that duplicates or falls outside the Center’s collection policy, an effort is made to find an appropriate home for it elsewhere. Other institutions with substantial holdings of Danish materials include The Danish American Archive & Library in Blair, Nebraska, and The Danish Immigrant Archive at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa.
If you have questions about books, genealogical or other print materials you would like to donate, please contact the Genealogy Center Manager. For pre-arranged donations, the Genealogy Center Donation Form may be printed for inclusion with the materials.
If you would like us to create a file on a Danish immigrant, fill out the Immigrant Information Form and return it along with photographs or documentation.
For donations of artifacts and original photographs and documents or if you have general questions about donations, contact the Curator of Collections.
Please also see our Library Wishlist for more ideas of how to support the Genealogy Center.