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.
Turtles are one of the most distinctive and recognizable of all animals. Though many other creatures have some sort of "shell," no other animal looks quite like a turtle.
Secret of the Shell will engage your visitors through hands on, educational programming focusing on turtle life cycles, behavior, diversity, physical adaptations and how changes in these animals' habitats affect their numbers and behaviors.
WE have three different aviaries out in our boatyard so make sure you see them all!
Raptors play a key role in natural pest control as their diet consists of rodents and insects. As predators, they are at risk of bioaccumulation of toxins from rodenticides and insecticides. Humans can reduce this risk by using less of these substances. Visit our resident American Kestrel and Barn Owl in our roost.