The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium launched the Preserve the Wonder campaign to preserve the wonder of its facilities and programming for the next generation of students, visitors and community members. As part aquarium, part museum and part science center, the museum’s new campaign will help it continue its leadership in conservation, both of wildlife and marine life, while also preserving the area’s rich history.
“We have a commitment to the community to inspire and educate,” said Kurt Strand, President & CEO of National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. “We’re bringing history to life and showing conservation in action. This enables our guests to become more knowledgeable and engaged. It’s an exciting time, and this campaign helps us look toward the future.”
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium held a special event on June 27 that was two-fold: part 20th anniversary celebration and part Preserve the Wonder public campaign launch. To celebrate the campaign and share the total amount raised to date, a special reveal took place in the River Museum where the total was shown underwater. The one-of-a-kind reveal was managed by aquarist team divers in the Main Channel Aquarium.
To date, the campaign has raised $9,180,000 million with a total goal of raising $12.75 million. The museum has already restored the Arriandeaux Log Cabin, Iowa’s oldest building, while also innovating STEM concepts across the museum campus to expand educational offerings. With the completion of River of Innovation and Rivers of the Sea, the museum and aquarium has focused on instituting community programs to ensure all can visit regardless of income level. These community programs help ensure all can be inspired to learn.
“We’re gaining national visibility and recognition,” said Wendy Scardino, VP of Development & Marketing, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. “As a non-profit and tourist attraction—we play a dual role within the community. Today, we generate approximately $20 million in economic impact, making the River Museum an excellent return on investment for the community and region. We’ve seen over 3.5 million visitors over the last 20 years, and community support will enable us to reach millions more—inspiring stewardship of our rivers and history for the next 20 years.
“It is our wish to continue enhancing educational offerings for area youth, inspiring action and change around conservation, preserving and sharing the area’s rich history, and providing equitable access for all to enjoy our facilities and programs. That’s important work to continue.”
Last year, the museum and aquarium won Outstanding Tourist Attraction in a Metro Area from Travel Iowa.
The Preserve the Wonder campaign will enable the museum to continue connecting children and adults to the wonders of history, conservation and the natural world. Major campaign initiatives yet to complete include an expanded otter habitat, improved and updated paddlefish habitat, a national traveling exhibit, improvements to the interior of the Mathias Ham House, general infrastructure improvements for the health and well-being of our animals and artifacts, and an endowment component.
“I’m excited about the next 20 years,” said Tom Woodward, Board Chair and long-time supporter. “We’re incredibly grateful to those who have already supported the museum and aquarium, and we’re looking forward to connecting with all those who want to help preserve history, lead conservation and connect with the world around us. It really is a wondrous place.”
About Preserve the Wonder
To learn more about the Preserve the Wonder Capital Campaign and to donate to the effort, visit our Preserve the Wonder page. To receive more information by mail, contact Wendy Scardino, VP of Development & Marketing, at 563-557-9545.