HOLLAND — The Holland museum needs funding and hopes to raise $100,000 by May 1. 

The museum, a critical part of the community for over a century, has seen an increase in costs to maintain its exhibits and collections, according to Executive Director Michelle Stempien. 

Samuel Vega, a guest services representative, said the COVID-19 pandemic also negatively affected revenues. 

“I have only been working here since 2022, but from what I’ve been told, COVID had a huge effect,” Vega said.

Stempien agreed.

“There has been a night-and-day difference between our operations pre-COVID and post-COVID,” she said.

Vega said the museum is still a prime attraction to keep in the city.

“The museum still has a lot to offer,” he said.

Vega said the hours of operation have been adjusted to 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday to capitalize on patrons having more time to visit on the weekends.

“We have purposely altered our work schedules so that the public hopefully comes to the museum,” he said.

 One key challenge many museums face is attracting younger generations to visit. 

“We need new faces and and preferably younger faces, too,” Vega said. “We want everyone visiting, but we need new guests because they are more likely to visit than someone who has already been here before.”

One thing residents might not take into account is the educational importance of the museum, Stempien said. 

“Schools all throughout the state of Michigan bring their kids to this museum,” she said. 

Closure would create a “vital absence” that the museum is known for offering, she said. 

According to WOOD TV-8, one anonymous donor gave upward of $50,000 toward the museum, however, as of March 24, the goal of $100,000 had not yet been reached.

Stempien said “time is of the essence” to reach the fundraising goal. 

Stempien told WOOD TV-8 she if the fundraising goal falls short, it could lead to staff cuts. 

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“It’s the hardest part of the job, but we just don’t have the money to maintain the staff we currently have,” she said.

Vega said he was grateful for the donations received so far. 

“I appreciate our loyal community members for donating their hard-earned money to us and I know they will continue to fight with us to get us rolling again,” he said.

To make a donation, visit hollandmuseum.org/support. 

— Jack DePorre covers features and general assignments for Ottawa News Network. Contact him at jdeporre@ottawanewsnetwork.org.