Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum in Burr Oak, Iowa receives no annual Federal, State or Local funding and there is no "Laura Foundation" in existence to help maintain this Museum that bears her name. This Museum relies on admissions, gift shop sales, memberships, donations and grants to tell Laura's story and maintain the buildings connected to her life in Burr Oak. This Museum welcomes and appreciates all donations. This Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your gift is tax deductible.

To better serve the 15,000 people who are drawn into Burr Oak each year, the Museum has committed to creating a "museum complex". This "complex" consists of the Hotel Building which houses the Museum, the Bank Building Visitor Center and the Church Building. As with all non-profit organizations we have needs much greater than our budget and we are constantly seeking funds to help with special projects.

The Hotel Building, where the Ingalls family lived and worked, has just received a new heating system and new windows and doors to help tighten the building. The greatest need now is to install a new high-velocity air conditioning system to protect the collection. The approximate cost is $15,000. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the beginning of the 2003 season the Museum Gift Shop and office moved into the Bank Building Visitor Center. It will require another $40,000 to completely finish this project. When finished, it will become part of a self-guided tour. The Bank Building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Church Building was built in 1877, the year the Ingalls family lived in Burr Oak. It is located next to the cemetery Laura visited frequently with her friend, Alice Ward. The Church needs a new foundation, paint and other rehabilitation work. Approximate cost is $20,000. At the present time this building is not open to the public.

Each of these buildings contributes to the unique "Laura" experience here in Burr Oak, Iowa. The Museum is proud to be able to help improve this community.

Help us keep Laura's Iowa childhood
home a vital part of American history!

All donations will be used for the costs of maintaining
the museum and improving our services and facilities.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum
3603 - 236th Avenue
Burr Oak, Iowa 52101

Phone 563-735-5916
e-mail: museum@lauraingallswilder.us

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