Museum of PdC needs new HVAC, challenge fundraiser underway
In this 2019 Courier Press file photo, the late Ken Birrenbach held a picture of his beloved wife, Dorothy, who had previously passed, while presenting their $25,000 donation to Prairie du Chien Historical Society President Mary Antoine. Now, $7,500 of those funds are being used to challenge the community to donate toward a new HVAC system for the Museum of Prairie du Chien. (File photo)
The Museum of Prairie du Chien, the lower building on the Fort Crawford Museum grounds, has been experiencing heating and air conditioning problems for the past several years.
There are large repair bills. The systems have become unrepairable and need to be replaced. Because the museum uses that building for storage of its local collection items, it is important that the new systems are up and running very soon to limit damage. Of course, a new HVAC system would also provide visitors from near and far a much more comfortable tour.
The Birrenbach endowment was created in 2019, in the amount of $25,000, and has provided $2,500 per year to the museums’ general operating budget. The fund is invested and, until this year, has provided a nice return. Ken and Dorothy Birrenbach have passed away since his considerable donation April 1, 2019, in her memory. So, the Fort’s finance chairman, Gary Koch, has contacted their daughter, proposing that $7,500 of the fund be offered as a challenge to the community to match that amount, dollar for dollar. She contacted her siblings, and they agreed.
Thus, if this fundraising challenge is successful, that would raise $15,000 for a new HVAC system. This would help to pay for the new system, protect the collection, and make the visitor experience much better.
Tax deductible contributions to the Prairie du Chien Historical Society can be sent to 717 S. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821.
