Danish people in Omaha, Nebraska facts for kids

The Danish people in Omaha, Nebraska, were a big group of people living in the city during the 1920s. This was quite special, as Omaha had more Danes than many other cities in the United States. Omaha, along with its neighbor Council Bluffs, was known for having "major colonies of Danes for many years." These communities helped shape the city's culture and history.

Danish History in Omaha

The first Danes arrived in Nebraska in the 1840s. They came to Florence with the Mormons, who were settling in the area. This marked the beginning of Danish presence in the state.

A Danish language newspaper was started in Omaha in 1872. It was called Den Danske Pioneer, which means "The Danish Pioneer." Most of its readers, about 75 percent, were Danish farmers across the United States. This newspaper helped connect Danish communities.

In 1882, a special group called the Danish Brotherhood in America was formed in Omaha. This was a fraternity, like a club for men. By 2010, this brotherhood still had about 8,000 members, showing its long history.

Lasting Danish Influence

The Danish people left a lasting mark on Omaha. One example is the Danish Vennelyst Park. This park is a private place owned and run by the Danish American Society of Omaha. For many decades, the park hosted celebrations for Denmark's Constitution Day every year. This holiday celebrates Denmark's constitution.

In 2016, a building important to Danish history was recognized. The former Danish Brotherhood in America National Headquarters, located at 3717 Harney Street, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a historically important site.

As Danes became more a part of American culture, some of their original groups and places closed. The Trinity Norwegian-Danish Lutheran Church was started in 1895. It was located in South Omaha. This church closed in 1914. Also, Dana College, a school founded by Danes from Omaha in nearby Blair, Nebraska, closed in 2010.

The Springwell Danish Cemetery is another important site. It is located in North Omaha. People first used this cemetery in 1868. Local Danes officially created it in 1889. In 1996, it was named an Omaha Landmark, recognizing its importance to the city's history.