Of course, time, talent and treasure are the vital ingredients for any preservation and restoration effort. Most folks are preservationists at heart. Some farmers are saving historic barns and old tools that their fathers and grandfathers built or used. In a few years the large barns and old tools may be rare indeed.

Families are often sorting through old photos, household items and handmade furniture. Please consider donating or loaning to the German American Museum. Then everyone can see and appreciate and future generations can understand what life was like 50, a 100, or even 150 years ago.

The lifeblood of preservation is its supporters, volunteers and members. We would like you to consider how you can participate in some way to strengthen and celebrate historical and cultural preservation in this unique area.

We intend to establish volunteer mornings at the Museum. Wednesdays and Saturdays are our designated days to mobilize volunteers to assist with various tasks at the Museum. The work can be challenging, but hanging out and bonding with friends and people with similar interests always makes it a fun time.

For example, two years ago, the Schaufenbuel sisters visited the Museum and in three hours they cleaned the entire Museum building, helped hang pictures, straightened up the kitchen, dining room and rooms on the first floor, and helped with other minor clean up tasks. Not only was this time gratifying for the “Merry Maids” to help, but the siblings enjoyed looking at various photos and exhibits, enjoyed many laughs sharing memories, and just relished the time of being together.

Please consider volunteering once a month to be a Museum tour guide, help with some aspect of Museum upkeep, or help to organize and document incoming materials and artifacts. Serving as a volunteer at the Museum is a great opportunity for college and high school students needing volunteer hours. Your time will not only benefit a great cause but will be an interesting learning experience.

Please contact the Museum staff via the email contact button and we will be happy to discuss ways you can contribute to the Museum.