News Releases

Father's Day 2008 brings Museum & Aquarium a $1 million gift

Dubuque, Iowa – June 15, 2008—David Raisbeck and Ellen March Raisbeck have always treasured their memories of Dubuque and their fathers, William Raisbeck and Claude March, who introduced them to the Mississippi. In recognition of that love for Dubuque and the river, David & Ellen Raisbeck, who grew up in Dubuque and now live in Shorewood, MN., have made a $1 million gift to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium for its Great Rivers Center expansion project.

The Raisbecks made this outstanding lead gift to the Museum & Aquarium because of their feelings for Dubuque and the river and the memory of their fathers. In recognition of this gift, the Museum will name the first gallery in the new center, the RiverWAYS Gallery, after William Raisbeck and Claude March.

“We are very thankful for this extraordinary gift,” said Jerry Enzler, executive director of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. “The RiverWAYS Gallery will be a dramatic exploration of the rivers in America. It will engage people in the national story of our rivers, their exploration, their role in history, and their importance to America today.”

The RiverWAYS Gallery will tell our nation's story through its rivers. A huge map will show America and its rivers goes into a show mode with compelling programs such as "Rivers at Work," which will depict the boats and cargo carried on our rivers today. Other potential programs include “River Art, Music, and Literature,” which will illustrate the creative works inspired by the rivers of America.

RiverWAYS will also tell the stories of the people of the National Rivers Hall of Fame: the Pathfinders; Builders and Inventors; River People; Artists, Writers and Musicians. Large-scale, immersive exhibits will allow guests to explore rivers, re-live the steamboat era, and experience unique moments in history, such as building the Erie Canal.

The Great Rivers Center is anticipated to open in summer 2010 and will be a major addition to the Museum & Aquarium’s five-acre river campus in the Port of Dubuque. The RiverWAYS Gallery will be located on the first floor of the new center. Museum planners are well underway with planning for the exhibits and the building renovation of the former Diamond Jo Casino building.

The total cost of the Museum & Aquarium's second phase of development for this expansion project and the adjacent parking structure and infrastructure is estimated at $70.5 million. A substantial portion of that has been raised through investment from government sources including an $8 million grant from Vision Iowa.

“The Museum is now in the quiet phase of the campaign to complete the private giving portion of the project,” said Enzler. “The Raisbeck’s lead gift will help ensure our ultimate success and draw other major donors to this important community project, which is a centerpiece of America’s River Phase II.”

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