Ripple Effect Collective

Be the Change — One Ripple at a time

At the Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Mathias Ham Historic Site, every ripple creates a wave of change. By joining the Ripple Effect Collective, our recurring monthly giving program, you provide essential, sustained support for educational experiences, conservation projects, and the preservation of our shared history.

Multiple staff participated in the annual Iowa Mussel Blitz.

Local high school students plant their native pocket prairie as this year's project through our Teens Take C.A.A.R.E. program.

Mathias Ham House restoration projects include plaster work throughout the interior of the home.

Our Education Team brings the River Museum to over 25,000 learners of all ages through outreach programs each year.

The new Trout Stream exhibit was made possible thanks to contributions to the Preserve the Wonder Capital Campaign.

The Historic Ham House is currently undergoing restoration work on the interior and exterior of the home.

New exhibits like the interactive Lock & Dam help tell the stories of the Mississippi River and are made possible thanks to donor support.

There's more to exhibits than meets the eye. Behind-the-scenes tours offer a glimpse at the life support systems that make each habitat safe 24-7.

River Museum staff participated in a Watershed Trash Pickup on June 7, 2025, in celebration of River Days of Action from June 1-15.

Create a Lasting Impact

Support the Dubuque County Historical Society and Its Mission

The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS) connects people to the past, present, and future of America’s rivers and the communities shaped by them. Through its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Mathias Ham Historic Site, DCHS preserves rich history, fosters environmental stewardship, and sparks lifelong learning.

With a budget-friendly monthly subscription, you help bring history and rivers to life—ensuring all visitors can experience the wonder, knowledge, and beauty our mission inspires.

Monthly Gift	The Impact	Breakdown
$10/Month	River excursions for local school groups Stewards new artifacts into historic collection	Less than $2.50/week
$25/Month	Provides water quality testing kits for an entire year Covers protective gloves and care for historic collections	Less than $1/day
$50/Month	Supports our freshwater mussel program Collection management software for more than 22,000 artifacts and books	Less than $2/day
$100/Month	Empowers up to 15 teens annually through our Teens Take C.A.A.R.E initiatives Sponsors UV light filters that protects artifacts within the Mathias Ham House	Around $3/day

Exclusive Benefits for Monthly Donors

As a member of the Ripple Effect Collective, you'll receive:

Complimentary tickets to select special events
A quarterly impact e-newsletter showing the difference you make
Recognition as a valued changemaker in our community

Why Give Monthly

Amplify Your Impact - Small, recurring gifts lead to big, lasting change year-round
Budget-Friendly Giving - Spread your generosity throughout the year! Much like a subscription that supports what matters most to you, your monthly gift offers a budget-friendly way to create lasting impact.
Enjoy Special Perks - Your loyalty comes with gratitude, recognition, and exclusive access.

Start Your Ripple Today

Whether you're passionate about preserving history, protecting rivers, or inspiring lifelong learners, your monthly gift powers it all by supporting the River Museum Fund. Join the Ripple Effect Collective today and help shape a stronger, more sustainable future one ripple at a time.