Captain's Ball | Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, 5:30-9:30 P.M.
At the Dubuque County Historical Society and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, community is at the heart of everything we do. The Captain’s Ball is our largest annual fundraiser—and a celebration of the mission-driven work that makes our organization a vital resource for education, conservation, and access.
This year’s event will once again shine a spotlight on the impact of your generosity. The evening’s highlight, our Fund-the-Need appeal, supports the daily care and long-term wellbeing of the animals who call our campus home. Your gift provides essential resources that make it possible to:
- Enrich the lives of animals across campus through engaging, species appropriate experiences
- Sustain and enhance animal habitats to ensure safe, healthy environments
- Deliver critical veterinary care and ongoing wellness support
- Provide high-quality nutrition tailored to each animals needs
- Provide educational outreach to schools and underserved communities with our animal ambassadors
We invite you to be part of this unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and purpose. your generosity makes these initiatives possible and sustains the care, education, and experiences that bring our mission to life.
Event Registration
It is never too early to register for this amazing event! Contact wsweeney@rivermuseum.org if you have any questions.
Registration opening soon
Sponsorship opportunities are still available!
Save the Date!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you at this year’s Captain’s Ball—A Night in the Wild! This evening full of fun, connection, and meaningful impact is sure to be a highlight of the year. Check out the video below to learn more about this wonderful event.
2026 sponsors included:
Animal Ambassador:
Habitat Helpers:
Wellness Guardians:
Nutrition Nurturers:
Enrichment Enthusiasts:
Special thanks to the 2026 committee!
Britta Cuming, Lance Henze, Corrine Kroger, Kristen Leffler, Stephanie Meyers, April Moldenhauer, Justine Paradiso, Danelle Schroeder, Marilyn Snyder, Wendy Sweeney, Zach Thielen