Robidoux Row organizes fundraising campaign to celebrate 175 years
By Chris Fortune
Robidoux Row Museum established a fundraiser to celebrate a major upcoming milestone and ensure it thrives into the future.
The museum turns 175 years old in 2025, and a capital campaign called 175 for 175 to raise $175,000 for the museum is ongoing after starting nearly a month ago.
Executive Director Jeff McMillian said he believes the last meaningful capital campaign took place over 20 years ago.
“The stars aligned,” he said. “We said, ‘Hey, $175,000 is our goal for 175 years of service to the community.”
Funds from the last capital campaign around 1996 went toward renovating the museum’s masonry and foundation, and it will need more improvements in the near future.
An architect conducted a full assessment of the property recently and found a list of areas that will need attention within the next five to 10 years. Plus, the museum falls slightly short of operational costs each year, exacerbating the strain on its savings.
“It’s been enough years now that it’s time to replenish the savings and push this 175-year history we have now forward, hopefully another 175 years,” he said.
Robidoux Row is funded by memberships and does not receive public funds.
“We do get a little bit of grant money through our friends at the Convention and Visitors Bureau,” he said. “Those are for specific purposes, such as marketing, and so far as operations, we’re on our own.”
A longtime member of Roubidoux Row paid a visit to the museum on Monday to make a donation to 175 for 175. Around 30 people have given donations so far.
“We know that each person gives to the extent of their ability and appreciate all of it,” McMillian said.
The capital campaign will run until March 2025, leaving six months to hit the $175,000 goal to help the Robidoux Row meet its needs for years to come.
“We appreciate and treasure anything that a person wants to do to be involved,” he said.
People can donate by visiting robidouxrowmuseum.net and volunteer by calling (816) 232-5861.
