The Verendrye Museum Board of Directors is holding its Annual Meeting and Membership drive Saturday (Jan. 25) at the Fort Pierre Senior Center.
Board vice president Deb Schiefelbein says they hope to raise the rest of the money needed to complete the restoration of the historic building in Fort Pierre.
In 2018, the City of Fort Pierre began major renovations to upgrade the 1930’s building. The building previously was not heated or cooled which can be detrimental to the archival items.
Schiefelbein says in partnering with the City of Fort Pierre, the Verendrye Museum Board of Directors has invested in the upgrades with heating & cooling, electrical, hot water plumbing, windows, interior renovation and proper displays. She says the archival items will need to be cleaned and maintained and the board will continue to hold fundraisers to raise funds for the growing needs of the museum to preserve the area’s history and culture.
Schiefelbein says of the $532,000 in renovation costs for the Verendrye Museum, $447,000 has been raised through Museum and City of Fort Pierre investments, a Museum loan, grants and personal donations.
The Annual Verendrye Museum Meeting and Membership Drive is open to the public. The complimentary social starts at 5pm, with a dinner at 6pm and program at 7pm. Dinner is included with membership.
Membership forms are available at the Log Cabin Visitor Center in Fort Pierre or on the Verendrye Museum website at www.verendryemuseum.com.
