The original Andersonville Water Tower that stood for 90 years before it was damaged by an extraordinarily harsh winter in 2014.

2016 brings us new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and the chance to restore our community’s treasured landmark. As we say “hejdå” to 2015 and “hej” to the new year, the Museum will celebrate its 40^th anniversary, as well as the 15^th birthday of the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration. In addition to recognizing these significant achievements, the Museum is looking forward to erecting a replica of the iconic and sorely missed Andersonville Water Tower.

While the replica will not serve as a functioning replacement for the former water tower, it will serve as a reminder of our history and a symbol of our perseverance. To date, the Museum has raised nearly $120,000 of the projected $150,000 needed for the Water Tower Fund. We want to express our gratitude to those who participated in our can drive throughout 2014 and 2015, as we were able to raise more than $1,000 toward the cause, thanks to the support of our loyal allies along North Clark Street. We would also like to thank those who provided major gifts of $10,000 or more: Museum life trustees Ulla and Bertil Brunk, the Edith Marie Appleton Foundation by Museum trustee Albert Goodman, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, and life trustees Bo and Anita Hedfors.

We are proud to report that the new design concept is coming along smoothly and the construction should be underway as soon as the necessary permits have been received. We will keep you updated as we look forward to celebrating these milestones with all of you throughout 2016.

– Allison Deerr, Fundraising Coordinator