Above & Beyond Children’s Museum: Sustains ice and water damage to all four floors of historic downtown building

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (December 29, 2022) – Above and Beyond Children’s Museum (ABCM) experienced extreme water and ice damage to all four floors of the museum on December 25. The extreme cold caused water pipes and the sprinkler system to burst throughout many areas of the museum. 

ABCM sustained extensive damage due to the heating and cooling system failing when temperatures plummeted for days. The basement, which houses staff offices, storage space, and event, exhibit and program supplies, received the most property damage followed by the first and third floors. 

PHOTOS: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3855l6re7gi231ufw5a83/h?dl=0&rlkey=r9hsftp6w5o5tjf7g1kjru0hp

ABCM will be closed indefinitely so staff can assess the damage, clean up, and restore the basement and other areas of the museum that are damaged. ABCM wishes to extend deep gratitude to the community partners, organizations, businesses, and volunteers who have offered their support and assistance as the team navigates this situation. ABCM will continue to inform the public and the membership as a timeframe for reopening has been established. 

“With time, we are confident the museum will reopen and continue to be the much loved space that serves our community through quality programming and one-of-a-kind exhibit experiences,” said Jackie Erdman, ABCM Executive Director.

The public and members are encouraged to follow the museum on social media and visit the website www.abkids.org for updates and information. Currently all programming including the Noon Year’s Eve 30th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for December 31 is paused until further notice. 

If you wish to support the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum through this time, donations can be made by visiting www.abkids.org or direct link: https://abkids.org/get-involved/donate/. The Children’s Museum can also accept checks by mail to Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, 902 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan, WI  53081.

About Above & Beyond Children’s Museum

Above & Beyond Children’s Museum of Sheboygan County is a 501(c)3 community funded, visitor supported non-profit organization. The Museum was established in 1993 commemorating the 30th anniversary in 2022 with a remarkable list of historic and recent accomplishments achieved all while focusing on the museum’s steadfast mission to benefit the children and their families. Above & Beyond Children’s Museum and its programs and services are focused on spaces and activities where play and education connect through exploration and discovery. The vision is to provide a positive learning environment through community partnerships with interactive programs and captivating exhibits that exceed children’s wildest dreams and imaginations. The museum is located at 902 N. 8th Street in Downtown Sheboygan.