Dubuque river museum gets grant for new traveling exhibit

DUBUQUE — The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, located in Dubuque, and its national outreach program RiverWorks Discovery, received a combined $200,000 from three foundations to support a new RiverWorks Discovery national traveling exhibit.

The Walton Family Foundation awarded the project $100,000, with American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation and the Eugenie and Joseph Jones Family Foundation awarding the project $50,000 each. Grants will support the design and development of this new hands-on, educational exhibit designed to mirror RiverWorks Discovery’s efforts and intent to educate the public on the importance of the commerce, culture, conservation, and careers of America’s inland waterways.

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium’s mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational opportunities where history and rivers come alive. Now in development, the traveling exhibit will bring to life the stories and contributions of the people of the inland rivers for the enjoyment and education of communities throughout the country.

RiverWorks Discovery is unique in its ability to bring together river industry leaders, museums, nature centers, educators, and the general public. With support from AEP, the Eugenie and Joseph Jones Family Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation, communities across the country will have an opportunity to personally understand the important role our rivers have played throughout history and will continue to play in our nation’s future.

For more information on RiverWorks Discovery and the national traveling exhibit, contact Erin Dragotto, VP of Development, at edragotto@rivermuseum.com, call (563) 557-9545 Ext. 210, or visit riverworksdiscovery.org. For more information on the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, visit rivermuseum.com.