Last updated 8.3.26
Is the Museum open?
At this time, the Dorothy Molter Museum is OPEN and SAFE.
The proximity of the Camp Fire 8 miles northeast of Ely initially triggered initial proactive stages of our Wildfire Response Plan. However, this proactive measure does not affect the visitor experience and is out of an abundance of caution.
What would affect the visitor experience?
Very poor air quality due to the regional wildfires. We recommend wearing an N95 mask when outdoors if air quality is poor. To stay up-to-date on current conditions, visit the MN Pollution Control Air Quality hub.
Extreme heat. The historic cabins are not climate controlled.
What would cause the Museum to close to the public?
Per the Museum’s Wildfire Evacuation Plan, it would close if it were in any one of three zone statuses: Ready Set or Go. This system is in place to prepare and alert people to the current urgency of the situation. The Museum is not currently in one of these zones.
For more information on this zone system or the current zone status in and around Ely, please visit the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Map Hub with the button below.
We Need Your Support
Although the physical Museum property and collections is not at risk, the fiscal sustainability of the Museum IS at risk due to dropped visitation.
Although both the Museum and the City of Ely are SAFE and OPEN for business, visitation has dropped off dramatically (35%).
We are confident in the leadership and crews – local and national – working on the regional wildfires, and am confident in the physical safety of Dorothy’s cabins and Museum property, collections and merchandise inventory including root beer.
We understand that traveling visitors are reluctant to visit and lodge in our community due to the proximity of the wildfires (8+ miles away) but we cannot remain fiscally sustainable at this rate during our open season.
We are asking you, directly, to help support the Museum at this time.
What is at risk?
✔️ General Museum operations and hours of availability
✔️ Supporting the Small Museum Magagement Internship’s two dedicated summer inters and their housing
✔️ Production of Dorothy’s Isles of Pines Root Beer
✔️ The off-season hours and wages of the Museum’s 3 year-round employees (one FT, two PT)
The staff and board of the Museum do not approach challenges with negativity and fear. This is simply the current, very vulnurable situation that the Dorothy Molter Museum is experiencing and it is not sustainable.
How can you support us at this time?
👉 Merchandise, root beer, Membership purchases in-store and online https://shop.rootbeerlady.com/
👉 Donations to our General Fund to support us over this uphill portage
https://shop.rootbeerlady.com/shop/donations/9
👉 Visit us if you are nearby
👉 Like and Share this post to send it far and wide
Dorothy relied on the kindness of those visiting her, supporting her with donations for her root beer and candy, and providing assistance for hard tasks.
I’m asking for your help.
Thank you for your interest in Dorothy’s story and preserving her legacy – keeping her alive in the minds and hearts of others. We would not exist if not for you.
Support our Ely Area Community
Every business and organization is in a similiar situation in the Ely Community. If you are able to share your generosity:
🤝 The Ely Community Response is coordinating resources and a list of needs in the community
🤝 The United Way of Northeastern Minnesota has a fund for those affected by the wildfires
