Building the Troll Together - Mike & Lou Howard - Museum of Danish America Skip to content Building the Troll Together – Mike & Lou Howard March 13, 2026 Thomas Dambo Troll “When I arrived in Elk Horn in 1989, I began building my business — Liberty Labs antenna calibration — in my backyard, using a Boy Scout tent as my first building. I did not arrive with much infrastructure. What I arrived with was belief. Very early on, I learned the story of how this community, inspired by Harvey Sornson, brought the Danish Windmill from Denmark to Elk Horn. That story deeply moved me. A small rural community had the courage to dream boldly — and then actually accomplish it. Over the years, I told that story to customers, employees, and visitors from around the world and would often take them to the Danish Windmill to show them what this town had done. It was proof that a determined community could achieve something extraordinary. For Lou and me, the windmill has never just been a landmark. It is a symbol of what happens when people work together around a shared vision. We feel blessed to be able to contribute to its continuing operation. Lou often says that when we return home from traveling, the first sight of the windmill feels like being welcomed back with open arms. It represents identity. It represents pride. It represents belonging. We believe the addition of a Thomas Dambo troll to the Museum of Danish America would be the next chapter in that story. Just as the Danish Windmill connected Elk Horn to its roots, a Thomas Dambo sculpture would connect us to living Danish culture — creativity, sustainability, imagination, and global artistry. We believe this project can: Remind us that bold dreams are still possible here Inspire pride in our young people Strengthen community identity Draw visitors from across the country and beyond Encourage collaboration across generations This is not just about installing a sculpture. It is about continuing a tradition of vision. It is about saying that Elk Horn and Kimballton are not defined by size, but by spirit. It is about creating something that our grandchildren will point to and say, “Our community built that.” For these reasons, Lou and I are proud to commit to helping bring this vision to life. We have made a contribution in gratitude for what this community has given us — and in belief in what it can still become.”