SHEBOYGAN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The community went above and beyond to reopen a children’s museum following a flood.
Above and Beyond Children’s Museum in Sheboygan closed indefinitely on Christmas after water pipes burst and the sprinkler system damaged items on all four floors of the museum.
The incident caused about $150,000 worth of damage.
Since then, the community has come together to raise about $80,000 of the museum’s $100,000 goal. Area businesses and contractors also volunteered their time to make repairs.
Fundraising highlights include two matching donations of $25,000 each from an anonymous donor and Efroymson Family Fund. Sheboygan brewery 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. hosted a ABCM Taproom Takeover hosting more than 2,000 attendees of all ages for a fun-filled day of family fun raising $11,000. The brewery also donated $1 for each pint of 3 Sheeps Pilsner sold during the event and throughout the month of January.
With about $20,000 left to go, the museum is able to open its doors with a grand reopening celebration on Sunday, March 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Families can come and see the improvements as well as celebrate a New Year’s Eve event that was postponed, with a balloon drop and other activities. Special t-shirts will be available to purchase to help the museum reach its goal.
“Knowing we were unable to serve families and children through a safe, clean, indoor space that is so beloved has been the most difficult part of all of this. Especially with it being winter time!, especially in the winter time,” said Jackie Erdman, ABCM Executive Director. “One of the biggest silver linings is that we have been able to assess the museum top to bottom to make our space as efficient and safe as possible moving forward.”
Here are other ways to support the museum:
- Product donations accepted for basement office space project,
- Sign up to volunteer at our programs, events, or welcome desk. The 2023 calendar of special events will be available on March 8
- Monetary donations can be made online at abkids.org
- The Children’s Museum can also accept checks by mail to Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, 902 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081.
