It's an exciting time at the Cable Natural History Museum!

After several years of careful consideration and planning, we are working on the Doorways to Discovery Capital Campaign that will raise the resources needed for construction of a brand-new museum facility.

For nearly 40 years, the Cable Natural History Museum operated out of a facility adjacent to the Forest Lodge Library in downtown Cable. In that time, the Museum’s audience, membership, and programming have steadily grown. In recent years, that growth has resulted in the need to rent off-location storage and work space; hold some meetings and programs at other, larger facilities; and curtail any expansion of our collections.

The Museum building, modern in 1971 when it was built, has been used up to and beyond its physical and functional limits. One of the Museum’s long-held strategic goals has been to earn accreditation through the American Association of Museums, but the lack of space and environmental controls at our current location prevent us from taking this important step. Our flat-topped building also struggled against the harsh weather extremes of our region and maintenance and repair expenses became ever-increasing budget items.

So, after much discussion and consideration of input from architects, engineers, and contractors, the Museum’s Board of Directors in 2005 reached a consensus opinion that constructing a new facility would offer substantial benefits over choosing to repair, upgrade, and expand a 40-year-old building. For example, the new building will take advantage of modern efficiencies and energy-saving designs, including solar orientation and super-efficient utilities. It will comply with various codes set for public facilities, and include design features particular to the needs of modern museums.

Doorways to Discovery is the Museum campaign to raise funds to further this plan. Since 2005, the Board has devoted its considerable energy and expertise toward developing this campaign, and is dedicated to its success.

Our board, staff, members, and residents and visitors of our community are pledging their support to the Doorways to Discovery Campaign; we hope you will join them.