The year 2017 marks significant centennials for American history. Widely known and commemorated is the centennial of the United States’ entry into World War I. Less known is the transfer of the Danish West Indies in U.S. possession, now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands. What led up to the transfer of that territory? How have the two nations cooperated in peace and conflict in the 100 years since?

To explore the larger context of geopolitical relations between Denmark and the United States, the Museum of Danish America is opening a temporary exhibition called Denmark — America’s Smallest and Biggest Ally. Within the story of over two centuries of bilateral relations, this exhibition will focus especially on three parts of Danish-American history that will be unfamiliar to most visitors: the transfer of the U.S. Virgin Islands; the U.S. military bases on Greenland, which is a Danish territory; and the 21st-century involvement of Denmark in U.S.-led coalitions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other sites of present conflict.

The exhibit will officially open on Saturday, September 30 and will remain on view in the museum’s mezzanine level through September 3, 2018. A special preview event is being planned for museum members and all past and present members of the armed forces that Friday evening, September 29, from 5-7pm. Included on the roster of guest speakers is the Deputy Chief of Mission for the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington, DC, Lars Bo Møller, and two Danish veterans – flying in from Copenhagen – who are involved in the Danish Wounded Warrior Project.

For more information, visit danishmuseum.org or call 712.764.7001.