Donations

Donation to DCMM image

Your gift to the Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society provides educational and outreach experiences for over 60,000 visitors each year.

The donation process is easy. Simply select the fund you want to support and designate the amount of your gift.

Annual Fund (Anchor Appeal)

On an average day, the cost of operating the Museum is greater than income from fees, membership and store sales. 

Gifts in any amount are appreciated. However, for a $250 donation, you may personally Sponsor A Day at the Museum. "Sponsor A Day" is a wonderful way to honor a loved one or recognize a birthday, anniversary or a memory! As a Sponsor, you will be recognized at all three Museum locations, on our web site and in the Museum newsletter. You will also receive a support decal for your car window or business entry.

Your donations help us tell the stories of bold ship captains, brave seaman, innovative shipbuilders, rugged fishermen, and stalwart lighthouse keepers.

Donate to our Annual Fund

$

Sponsor A Day

$

Print & mail the PDF form to tell us the date and wording you would like.  Sponsor A Day form

 

Estate Gifts Support the Museum - Just WILL it!

Leaving the Door County Maritime Museum a bequest in your will or estate plan represents an investment in its long term well-being. A bequest is a simple way to support the Museum in the future while retaining control of your assets during your lifetime. Read More About Estate Gifts 

Endowment Fund

Create a legacy! Gifts to the Endowment Fund provide ongoing support of the Museum’s day-to-day operations. 

Donate towards Endowment Fund

$
 

Commemorative Bricks

The Maritime Museum's Walk of Fame is a unique way to capture your connection to maritime history, honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion.  Bricks range in price from $150-$2,500.  Larger bricks may include an image.  For detailed information regarding the Museum's commemorative brick walkway, please call us at (920) 743-5958.

Illuminating Our Heritage: Phase II of Cana Island Lighthouse Restoration Nearing Goal

Since 1970 under lease from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society’s mission at Cana Island has been to maintain and upkeep the light station and adjacent grounds. The 1869 resources of the island and light station are irreplaceable; a truly unique setting and experience for visitors.

As modernization of light systems developed, the U.S. Coast Guard no longer had reason to maintain lighthouse properties and began to transfer properties. In 2006, the U.S. Coast Guard transferred Cana Island to the Door County Parks Department who named the Door County Maritime Museum as operating and historic preservation partner. Currently, five buildings remain on the site:  the light tower, keeper’s residence, oil house, privy, and storage shed. An isolated setting such as Cana Island with a grouping of intact structures offers a rare glimpse into the past.

Donate towards Illuminating Our Heritage

$
 

In 2009 the Museum, Door County Parks Department, and the Historic Structures Report project team identified basic flaws in the current buildings that hinder access by the public, limit interpretation, and cause general degrading of the building fabric over time that will, if left unaddressed, result in the loss of historic integrity.

Illuminating Our Heritage will restore all five buildings at Cana Island Light Station; provide safe public access including adjacent land acquisition of a 1.5-acre waterfront site for parking; develop a blueprint for restoration of the cultural landscape; and create modern, yet environmentally friendly, restroom facilities. 

In 2011 new restroom facilities were built and land was acquired and a parking lot completed in 2013. Exterior restoration of the Keeper’s House and Light Tower began in August 2014 is scheduled for completion before year’s end. The Museum is honored that William Tishler is undertaking the Cultural Landscape Report; it’s estimated to be complete later this year. 

As funding becomes available the interior of the Keeper's House and Light Tower, the three outbuildings, and exhibit enhancements will be tackled. The estimate for phase two projects is $3,800,000. To date, secured funds represent 66% of this cost.

Exhibit Development

Exhibit development costs can range from $250 upwards to $100,000! Each exhibit must be planned a year or more in advance.

Donate towards Exhibit Development

$
 

Artifact, Photograph, or Boat Donations

The Museum continuously seeks Great Lakes artifacts, photographs, or boats for the Museum’s growing collection.  Call our Development Director Trudy Herbst at 920-743-5958.