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Dorothy Molter Museum to host online annual meeting, auction fundraiser

Keith Vandervort
Posted 1/29/21

ELY – The 2021 Dorothy Molter Museum’s annual meeting and fundraising dinner is going virtual this year due to COVID-19 public health protocols.“This year, we have shifted to a …

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Dorothy Molter Museum to host online annual meeting, auction fundraiser

Posted

ELY – The 2021 Dorothy Molter Museum’s annual meeting and fundraising dinner is going virtual this year due to COVID-19 public health protocols.
“This year, we have shifted to a series of online events to ensure the health and safety of our supporters,” said DMM Executive Director Jess Edberg.
The museum preserves and interprets Northwoods wilderness heritage through learning opportunities inspired by Dorothy Molter, the last non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
“This online auction allows greater geographic and physical accessibility for participation in this annual event. We have already launched our online silent auction with more than 38 items available and more coming in each day,” Edberg said. “Check out the items we have available this year.”
Bidding will be held during the Ely Winter Festival, Feb. 4-14.
“Most of the items are available to ship so this event significantly increases our participation opportunities,” Edberg said.
View auction items at https://www.32auctions.com/DorothyMolterMuseum.
“The museum strives to inspire the next generation of Northwoods stewards to make a significant contribution toward a better world through Dorothy’s legacy of perseverance, integrity and generosity,” Edberg said. “As we continue to remember Dorothy and keep her spirit alive, we strive to embody the same principles that she espoused: 
-Perseverance - To maintain long-term sustainability in an ever-changing social, political and financial climate.
-Integrity - To maintain the highest degree of historical accuracy and visitor satisfaction.
-Generosity - To be a positive, active and contributing member of the diverse communities we are a part of.”
The Dorothy Molter Museum’s 2020 season was a challenge, as it was for every other business.
“Overall, not surprising, we were down in revenue for the year,” Edberg said.
She listed admissions, down 74.3 percent, retail sales, down 20.7percent, raffle ticket sales down 60.4 percent, and root beer sales (in-store and wholesale), down 9.9 percent.
“Our online sales were up more than 59 percent last year over the previous year,” she added.
“We are looking forward to a 2021 season where we may have more flexibility, with more people having access to a vaccination allowing fewer restrictions on gathering,” Edberg said. “I can’t say for sure that we’ll be able to offer our free community events just yet but it’s a possibility, especially later in the season.”
The museum is also offering winter tours during the Ely Winter Festival (reservations open online now) with the caveat that the state executive orders may change and force them to withdraw the option.
“We are also planning a Virtual Gathering on Thursday, Feb. 11 in place of our traditional in-person dinner/meeting,” Edberg added. “This will be over Zoom with free registration for members and a suggested donation for non-members, and will feature an organizational update, our annual canoe raffle drawing (tickets still available) and a never-before-seen home video of Dorothy’s Memorial Snowmobile Ride from January 10, 1987.”
For more information, go to www.rootbeerlady.com.