Alma Dahlerup

Baroness Alma Dahlerup née Bech-Brøndom (1874–1969) was a Danish-American philanthropist who supported Danish seamen in World War II through radio broadcasts and speaking assignments. As president of the Danish-American Women's Association, she is remembered in particular for proposing and raising funding for the statue of Hans Christian Andersen in New York's Central Park in memory of the 150th anniversary of his birth.

Biography Born in Randers on 4 June 1874, Alma Bech-Brøndom was the daughter of the telegraphist Jacob Anthoniensen Brøndum (1837–1921) and the wreath-maker Nielsine Petrine Bech (1839–1932). She was brought up in a modest home in Randers together with her elder sister Karin Michaëlis who became a journalist and novelist. When she had completed her school education, she served as a housemaid for a clergyman in the north of Jutland where, in addition to housekeeping, she learnt skills normally reserved for men, including painting, white-washing, varnishing and chopping wood. The clergyman also taught her French and astronomy. In her role as founder (1929) and honorary president of the Danish-American Women's Association, she suggested a statue of Andersen should be placed in New York's Central Park in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of his birthday. Thanks to her fund-raising efforts, a bronze statue designed by the American Sculptor Georg Lober was unveiled by Dahlerup in 1956. It depicts Andersen sitting on a bench, reading "The Ugly Duckling". The plaque behind the statue reads: "Sponsored by the Danish-American Women's Association, Baroness Alma Dahlerup—Founder."

Alma Dahlerup died in New York on 31 January 1969.

Awards and distinctions Alma Dahlerup received several high-level awards and distinctions: 1946: King Christian X's Liberty Medal 1955: Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog 1955: Medal of Honor for Women of Achievement 1957, the Danish Medal of Merit