Julius Peter Svendsen was the inheritor of Melstedgård, he owned the
farm from 1903 - 1947. As they had no children, at the death of his
wife Petrea he gave over the farm to the Danish state to be used as a
"living museum". This in spite of the fact that he had relatives
interested in taking over management of the farm. Many tourists visit
Melstedgård museum every year to this day.