10/02/2026
Hej, my name is Amelia Juhl, and for the past four years, I have had the absolute pleasure and privilege of serving as the Museum of Danish America’s Communications Manager.
When I first applied to this position, I did not know that the Danish Villages would become such an integral part of my life, but over the past four years, this community has given me far more than a job; it has gifted me with lifelong friendships, joy, and a deeper connection to a part of my family’s history that I am incredibly grateful to have rediscovered.
I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people during my time here—Danes, Danish Americans, non-Danes, community members, visitors from across the country and around the world, volunteers, donors, board members, artists, educators, students, community partners, and fellow staff members. What a blessing this has been.
It is through these interactions that I learned communications encompasses far more than a press release or a Facebook post—it is about finding the story behind an object or a person, about making someone who has never heard of Elk Horn curious enough to visit, and about helping a longtime member feel connected to an institution they have supported for decades. It is celebrating the people who make the Museum possible, and, most importantly, it is about listening. In listening, I have been able to share so many meaningful stories.
In addition to sharing your stories, I have overseen our biannual MoDA Magazine and had the privilege of helping shape the articles and images that make their way into the homes of members across the country. I have welcomed ambassadors and honorary consuls, hung countless posters around the community, written thousands of emails, taken more photographs than I could possibly count, designed aquavit labels, and learned the ins and outs of communicating about everything from exhibitions and events to prairie restoration and membership renewals. And then, of course, there was Fjord.
At every turn, I have been welcomed with open arms. Whether I was new to a project, new to a group, new to a community event, or simply trying something completely different, there was always someone willing to help, answer a question, lend a hand, share a story, or tell me that I was doing just fine. I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside people who care deeply about this Museum and about the stories we are entrusted to tell. I have seen firsthand how much work, passion, generosity, and heart goes into making the Museum what it is. I have seen volunteers give their time, donors invest in the future, board members lend their expertise, and community members show up again and again. It has been an honor to be even a small part of that.
It is with a very full heart that I share Thursday, October 1, was my final day on staff at the Museum of Danish America. As difficult as it is to say goodbye, I am also incredibly excited for what comes next. I will be moving to Minneapolis and beginning a new position as an Annual Giving Officer at the Walker Art Center. I am looking forward to the next chapter, but I will miss this place—and all of you—tremendously. Fortunately, I will never be very far away. Minneapolis may be my next home, but Southwest Iowa and Danish America will always be home, too.
It has been a privilege to serve as the voice of the Museum—to tell your stories, celebrate your accomplishments, introduce people to your work, share the beauty and history of this organization, and help invite people through our doors. Thank you for trusting me with this immense responsibility.
So, from the bottom of my heart:
Tak for alt.
