National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Your gift to the River Museum this Great Give Day will fund accessible and inclusive opportunities and events for our region and beyond.

Were you aware? 

• Approximately 1 in 4 people have an invisible disability or sensory need such as PTSD, autism, or dementia to name a few. 
• 200,000 people visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium each year from throughout the region and across the world.
• This means potentially 50,000 annual guests arrive with an invisible disability or sensory need, and many more may never enjoy a trip to the River Museum due to the uncertainty of what a visit may entail and the challenges presented through lights, sounds, or crowds.

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium values inclusivity in our work. We want to create an inclusive environment where diverse voices participate in all aspects and at all levels of the organization.

One of the ways we are becoming more inclusive is through specialty programming. Sensory Days are creating opportunities for individuals and families to feel welcome in our spaces while sounds, lights, and experiences are adjusted to meet sensory needs.

Your support of Great Give Day will help underwrite the cost of hosting these events throughout the year and the costs associated with implementing other inclusive activities, materials, and needs on campus.

A small sample of our recent efforts to aid in accessibility and inclusion include:

• We’re currently being certified by Kulture City, a nonprofit recognized nationwide that trains and supports organizations, venues, and businesses to better meet the needs of and engage with individuals with invisible disabilities. We will be the first organization certified in Dubuque and one of only 11 statewide. For more information on Kulture City please visit www.kulturecity.org. Kulture City signage will be going up over the next few weeks and sensory kits are available for families to check out at the box office free of charge as needed.
• Great Plains ADA and Vocational Rehab conducted a complete analysis of our property to provide a more equitable visit for our guests and greatly influenced our accessibility plan. This outlines measures to ensure the best possible access to the Museum’s exhibits and programs, in a manner that promotes dignity, independence, integration, and equity.
• We provide free admission year-round to clients of Hills and Dales, Area Residential Care, and other local organizations serving individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities.
• We provide discounted admission to those utilizing SNAP benefits, LIHEAP, Head Start, and Medicaid, making a trip to the River Museum an affordable option for more individuals and families.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to become more accessible and inclusive to our community and visitors from around the world.