Donate to Make Gammelgarden Museum Accessible for All

Gammelgarden Museum stands as a cherished part of Scandia's and Minnesota's rich history, preserving the stories and structures of generations past. Our collection of historical buildings offers a unique glimpse into the lives of early immigrants, providing invaluable educational and cultural experiences for visitors of all ages.

However, a significant challenge currently hinders the full accessibility and enjoyment of these resources: the lack of connecting sidewalks between the main building and the historical structures. Currently, visitors navigate uneven ground to move between the museum's visitor center (Välkommen Hus) and the historical homes, two-story barn, and church (also used as a one-room schoolhouse and hay barn).

While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, it presents substantial barriers for many, particularly those who use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches, or canes, or those who are simply unsteady on their feet. We've heard disheartening stories that underscore the urgent need for improvement.

Just recently, we witnessed an example of this difficulty. A family, including a grandparent who was in a wheelchair, was visiting the museum. They managed to visit the Old Church (Gamelkyrkan) and Immigrant House (Invandrar). However, the next part of the tour – the Barn (Ladugården) – required moving on uneven ground to reach the building. Being a farmer for the majority of his life, he was eager to see the 146-year-old barn and experience the preserved interior and artifacts. But as his family pushed him in the wheelchair from the sidewalk to the ground, the lack of a smooth, level transition became a significant obstacle. By the time they reached the ramp to the Barn, the threshold between the ground and the ramp was too high for the family to lift him onto the ramp.

The look of disappointment on his face, and the family's shared frustration as they ultimately had to abandon their attempt to enter the building, was a stark reminder of who we are unintentionally excluding. This isn't an isolated incident; we frequently see visitors hesitating, struggling, or simply unable to access these vital parts of our historical narrative due to the physical barriers presented by the lack of smooth pathways, and accessible ramps and entrances.

 

This lack of accessible pathways not only limits who can fully experience Gammelgården, but also poses safety concerns, especially during inclement weather when the uneven ground can become filled with rain, become muddy, and/or could cause people to trip or fall.

Installing sidewalks would create smooth, stable, and accessible routes, connecting the main building seamlessly to all the historical buildings. This vital infrastructure improvement is not merely about convenience; it is about ensuring that Gammelgården Museum is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone in our community and beyond, regardless of their physical abilities.

By installing these essential sidewalks, ramps, and smooth thresholds, we will:

• Enhance Accessibility: Ensure visitors using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches, or canes, or those with other mobility needs, can easily and safely navigate the museum grounds and enter the historical buildings.

• Improve Safety: Reduce the risk of trips and falls associated with uneven, unpaved surfaces.

• Preserve History for All: Allow a wider audience to fully engage with and appreciate the historical significance of each building.

• Elevate the Visitor Experience: Create a more comfortable and enjoyable visit for everyone.

We have a plan in place to install durable, historically-sensitive sidewalks that will complement the aesthetic of Gammelgården while providing the necessary accessibility. The estimated cost for this vital project is $400,000. We are reaching out to our dedicated supporters like you to help us make this vision a reality.

Your generous donation, no matter the size, will directly contribute to laying the foundation for a more accessible and inclusive museum. It will help pave the way for future generations to connect with the past, ensuring that the stories held within our historical buildings are accessible to everyone who wishes to listen.

Please consider making a donation today to support the Gammelgården Sidewalk Project. Thank you for your support of Gammelgården and for helping us build a future where history is accessible to everyone.