National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

As hurricanes bring heavy rain to some regions, low water levels have caused barge groundings and delays on the Illinois and Upper Mississippi Rivers, disrupting critical traffic that supports the nation’s economy. The river system is a vital artery for transporting agricultural products, fuel, and other goods that keep industries running across the country. With more low water challenges ahead, navigation teams are working diligently to deploy Electronic Aids to Navigation (ATONS) and adjust flows at key locks and dams. Dredging efforts are ongoing, but some areas remain vulnerable. Low water could worsen with the winter freeze, further limiting vessel drafts and slowing the flow of goods. River level unpredictability continues to challenge this essential transportation route, but the industry is adapting with precautions and collaborative efforts to keep traffic—and commerce—moving. The River Museum is home to the William M. Black steam dredge boat, providing guests a glimpse into the history of river commerce and ecological impacts that continue to be a part of our lives today.

The National Rivers Hall of Fame is honored to announced the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, Captain Clarke C. "Doc" Hawley and William Christopher (W.C.) Handy. The pair were selected by the public, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium members and supporters through a ballot voting process in September. They join nearly 100 Hall of Fame members who's profound impact have benefited America's river history and the future of our waterways. Read more about Hawley and Handy at https://lnkd.in/g3cd6ruQ

Our Rivers to the Sea exhibit showcases saltwater species that are impacted downstream from the Mississippi River. Corals are some of the species that are significantly affected. Since 2014, a disease outbreak has affected 55% of stony coral species within the Florida Reef Tract, with many at risk of extinction. We’re proud to have been the first institution outside of Florida to receive these imperiled corals as part of a rescue effort led by a coalition of experts! Together, we’re working to preserve genetic diversity and protect the future of this vital ecosystem. Click the link to support this important work! https://lnkd.in/gu7MQ2uZ

The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS)’s Museums for All low-cost admission program recently garnered grant funding from two key Dubuque family foundations. The McDonough Foundation has provided $2,500 in grant support and the Wahlert Foundation has provided $3,000. Funding from these long-standing philanthropic family foundations provide critical support for DCHS’s Museums for All low-cost admission program. The DCHS Museums for All program, a part of the nationwide program serving a network of 1,300 museums, zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens, serves approximately 9,000 individuals each year at The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and The Mathias Ham Historic Site. These individuals include local residents and visitors to Dubuque. To utilize the program, individuals that are living below the federal poverty threshold, and qualify for assistance programs such as SNAP benefits, Medicaid, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and Housing Choice Voucher Program, can provide proof of their enrollment in one or more of these programs to access a $3 admission. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJ2cj9Vm

Staff Spotlight! Name: Nathan Poling Job Title: Development Database Intern and Part Time Educator Time at the River Museum: 4 years Nathan works in Development as a Database Intern as well as a Part Time Educator. He performs demonstrations of the Belt-driven Machine Shop and displays artifacts with our History Highlights cart. Fun Fact: He has a deep passion for buttons from the Mississippi River!

Inspiring the Next Generation of River Stewards! At the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, we’re igniting curiosity and fostering lasting connections with the life, history, and culture of our rivers. From hands-on activities to engaging classroom sessions, we’ve empowered over 25,000 students this year to explore the wonders of the Mississippi River. Help us continue to make a lasting impact! Your gift can support transformative learning experiences that reach even more students and inspire the leaders of tomorrow in Dubuque and beyond. Make a difference today at https://lnkd.in/gu7MQ2uZ.

The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS) and its National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium has received a $33,600 grant award from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP). Funding will support the development, implementation, and evaluation of the William Woodward Mississippi River Center’s “Prairie and Floodplain” interpretation and programs. This project is one component of a broader 11,000 square foot renovation underway with anticipated completion in 2025. This new exhibit will advance the River Museum’s strategic plan to refresh spaces and redefine conservation learning experiences. The interpretation delivered through the exhibit will establish critical messages of conservation, integrate environmental history, and promote stewardship of land and water. The River Museum has received critical funding support from REAP CEP since 2007, totaling more than $204,500 in support of 17 projects including exhibits, outreach programs, species propagation, a teens conservation program, and more. To read more about this organization and the impact of their gift, please visit rivermuseum.org/news.

We enjoyed hosting Loras College Student Ambassadors yesterday! It was great to show them around and teach them about what goes into giving a tour.

Don’t miss your chance to vote for the National Rivers Hall of Fame Class of 2024! Visit https://lnkd.in/gTRK2m2m to cast your vote. Voting closes today!

Changes are happening! 🎨🖼️ Local artist, Adam Eikamp, is on site painting a mural as part of our William Woodward Mississippi River Center renovations! The mural will feature flowers and plants native to Iowa that tell the story of the state’s tallgrass prairies. Check out the progress during your next visit! This project is funded, in part, by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP). REAP is supported by the state of Iowa, providing funding to public and private partners for natural and cultural resources projects, including water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, parks, trails, historic preservation and more.