The Campaign to Refresh & Maintain the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
This $12.75-million endeavor is the culmination of years of planning from staff and board alike. Launching publicly during the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium's 20th Anniversary year, Preserve the Wonder is refreshing and maintaining the wonder of our facilities and programming for the next generation of students, visitors, and community members.
Browse this page to learn more about our campaign initiatives and donate today! For more information, contact Wendy Scardino, VP of Development & Marketing, at wscardino@rivermuseum.org or 563-557-9545 x208.
Case Statement
Learn more about the many aspects of our campaign to refresh and maintain the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and our Mathias Ham Historic Site through our case statement.
Interested in how we’re creating more knowledgeable and engaged citizens? Check out our recent 20 Years of Wonder publication!
Donate & Pledge
Donate to our efforts today and put your gifts to work immediately toward our campaign effort!
Would you like to make a more long-term investment in our campaign effort or notify us of your planned gift intentions? Download one of the following forms and email it to Wendy Scardino, VP of Development & Marketing, at wscardino@rivermuseum.org. Or mail to Attn: Wendy Scardino, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, 350 East Third Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.
Jeffris Family Foundation Challenge Match Grant
The portion of our campaign focused on the Mathias Ham Historic Site includes improvements to the Mathias Ham House interior. Donations designated to the Mathias Ham House interior project will be matched 1:2 by a Jeffris Family Foundation Challenge Match Grant. Those wishing to contribute toward the required match must complete the following form.
Naming Opportunities
Naming opportunities are available at multiple levels for numerous different campaign priority areas throughout our campuses. Follow the link below for more information.
Major Campaign Initiatives
Mississippi River Discovery Center
An expanded otter habitat, a more immersive paddlefish experience, and new terrariums and aquariums are in store for the 20-year-old building.
Infrastructure Enhancements
Major infrastructure enhancements and upgrades are needed to provide for the comfort of our guests and the health and safety of the animals and historical objects in our care.
Endowment
The first 20 years as the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium brought significant growth to our campus, programs and infrastructure. As we look toward the next 20 years, we seek to strengthen our long-term financial position and ensure the resources necessary to support ongoing improvements, meet future needs, and fulfill our vision.
Mathias Ham House
After the completion of a historic structures report addressing each and every aspect of the Mathias Ham House, we will be working to restore the interior of this historic home to preserve the home and the community's rich history. Windows, sashes, plasterwork and more will support the preservation of the home as well as the objects on display within the home.
Traveling Exhibit
Our second river-centric traveling exhibit is an opportunity to expand our reach while engaging with new communities, students and individuals throughout the country.
Recently completed
Arriandeaux Log Cabin
Restoration of Iowa's oldest building is now complete, preserving Dubuque and Iowa history for another generation.
Humke One-Room School
Originally located in Centralia, the Humke one-room school received new paint and a new roof, preserving a piece of Dubuque County history for the next generation.
William M. Black
Restoration to the boat's deck and roof have been completed along with additional cosmetic improvements.
River of Innovation
Opened in 2021, River of Innovation fully integrated STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts into the River Museum campus, expanded our educational offerings through the MakerSpace and preserved history with the addition of one of the only working belt-driven machines in the country.
Rivers to the Sea
Opened in 2023, Rivers to the Sea brought 100 new species to campus, incorporated local Marshallese heritage into interpretation and brought attention to climate change and conservation of our waters.
Fun Fact: Rivers to the Sea, one of the many projects included in Preserve the Wonder, was planned, concepted, written, and designed in house by our talented team of employees!
Contact Us
Have questions related to the campaign or are interested in touring our work? Contact Wendy Scardino, VP of Development & Marketing, at wscardino@rivermuseum.org or 563-557-9545 x208.