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The Grundtvig Centre

By Kim Arne Pedersen

Three Danes who lived during the 19th century are widely known to the world at large: the author of poems and fairy-tales, Hans Christian Andersen; the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard; and the theologian and poet N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872). Of these three, it is Grundtvig who has most obviously left his mark on Danish society, as well as on the Danish Church. As a priest and composer of hymns, he has had a crucial influence on the approach to divine service taken by the Danish Church; while as poet, historian and social reformer, Grundtvig has inspired Danish society through the establishment of the Danish folk high school movement, and through his ideas on freedom and democracy.

Grundtvig's influence is not limited to Denmark, but can also be seen abroad. The Grundtvig Centre was established in 1989 with the goal of promoting international knowledge of Grundtvig, and to work with research into the man and his work from an interdisciplinary perspective. The Centre works then on two fronts: it aims at initiating broad international research projects, and it provides the physical framework necessary for fostering a research environment.

The aim of the Centre's first research project was to kick-start international research initiatives, and was entitled Grundtvig and England . The project reflected the interest in English history and society that is seen so clearly in Grundtvig's work. Positive results from the project have included increased interest in Grundtvig in American university circles, an interest which is to be followed up in 1995 with an American Grundtvig conference. The Centre has also held a conference on the subject of national identity (in 1992). Every research project undertaken so far by the Centre has borne fruit in the form of book publications.

The setting for the everyday activities of the Centre is a library containing books by and about Grundtvig, and a microfilm archive housing microfilm copies of Grundtvig's manuscripts. The existence of the library allows The Grundtvig Centre to receive researchers and students from Denmark and abroad, and to give them information and advice.