“We’re just at a point now that we needed to be bold and get it out into the community.”
In a public letter, Executive Director Michelle Stempien stated the museum must raise $100,000 by May 1st or it could face staffing cuts and reduced services to the community.
“Without immediate support, we risk losing the programs, exhibits, and collections that make the Holland Museum a vital resource.”
So far, the museum has raised about $20,000, but Stempien says one donor has offered to match donations up to $50,000.
“We had someone come to the museum this past weekend from Grand Rapids with a check in hand.”
On Friday, President Trump signed an executive order intended to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, which helps fund museums and libraries throughout the country.
“We were waiting on a grant from IMLS and that has been paused. Those were funds that were going to help us.”
A link to donate can be found here. You can read the letter below.
For nearly 90 years, the Holland Museum has been a cornerstone of our
community—preserving our past and imagining our future. Today, we face a
critical financial challenge that threatens our ability to continue serving our
community.
Due to rising costs and financial strain, the museum is at a
crossroads. Without immediate support, we risk losing the programs, exhibits,
and collections that make the Holland Museum a vital resource. We must raise
$100,000 by May 1 to maintain our current programming and secure our
future.
Your donation today will:
- Keep our doors open – Ensuring that visitors, families, and students can
continue to experience the power of history.
- Support education and outreach – Providing school tours, bussing
assistance, and hands-on family programs like Spark!Lab, Spring
Break Camps, and Parent’s Night Out.
- Preserve our collections – The Holland Museum is home to the history
of our schools, faith communities, industry, cultural institutions, and
so much more. Your donation will safeguard 100,000+ artifacts that
define Holland while expanding digital access and conservation efforts.
- Sustain exhibits and programming – Creating engaging rotating exhibits
and cultural programming for all to enjoy.
While our immediate focus is on sustaining the museum during this difficult
time, we also believe in building toward a stronger future. With your support, we
can not only weather this storm but also continue to grow, adapt, and serve our
community for years to come.
We need your help. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly pledge, every
dollar helps us preserve the past and ensure a future where history continues
to inspire.
Visit the donation link today to make your urgent gift. Together, we can
protect the Holland Museum. Our goal is not just to survive, but to thrive for
generations to come. This is our home and these are our stories. Let’s protect
them together.
With deep gratitude from all of us at the Holland Museum,
Michelle Stempien
Executive Director
Kate Leighton-Colburn
Associate Director of Development and Communications
