The Olmstead Museum: LIFT UP SOMONAUK! Help us fund our Elevator/Lift to LIFT UP Somonauk to the second floor!

PHASE TWO UNDERWAY!!!

This is the Olmstead Museum's biggest fundraiser of 2026. We hope you'll join us in helping preserve Somonauk's history and prepare for America's 250th Anniversary, as we make our final push for a Lift Elevator!! HELP US IN JUNE BEFORE THE 250th!

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th Birthday, the Marie Louise Olmstead Memorial Museum is embarking on our most ambitious project yet. We are raising funds for a museum expansion and the installation of a lift elevator to ensure that future generations can experience and enjoy the history of Somonauk and the surrounding communities.

This is more than a building project. It is an investment in preserving our community's story. From pioneer settlers and Civil War soldiers to local businesses, schools, churches, farms, and families, the history of Somonauk deserves to be preserved and shared for generations to come.

Our goals are simple:

⭐ Preserve Local History ⭐ Expand Museum Space ⭐ Improve Accessibility ⭐ Prepare for America's 250th Anniversary

DONATION LEVELS

$17.76 – America 250 Supporter

$50.00 – Preserve Local History

$100.00 – Help Build the Lift Elevator

$250.00 – Community Builder

$500.00+ – Founders of the Future

Or any amount is appreciated!

The Olmstead Memorial Museum in Somonauk needs your help! A few years ago, the Museum received a gracious donation from the late Don Riemensnider. Don purchased and donated the former "Nel's Cakes & Catering" building to the Museum. The building required a lot of work, including connecting the existing Museum building to the newly acquired building.

With the idea of expansion and preservation in mind, the Museum Board of Directors have begun to laying out a vision to make the Museum larger for its ever expanding collection, as well as making it more accessible and friendly for all of our visitors. We can't do it without your help, so please consider making a donation! All donations are greatly appreciated and help us to preserve our history for future generations to come!