The South Similkameen Museum in Keremeos is looking for community support to help protect its collection from nature's wrath.
The current home of the museum, the former Masonic Lodge, was built more than 65 years ago and the concrete cinderblock walls have begun to leak in recent years.
"The cinderblocks have become somewhat porous and moisture is getting through the blocks and humidity is going up in the museum endangering the artifacts," said Shaun Adams. "Some are very, very susceptible to humidity damage.
The volunteer-run museum doesn't have access to substantial sources of funding, and even sources like government grants often need organizations like the museum to have some money already to put towards any projects.
The museum society hopes to eventually move over the old museum building, the former police station on 6th Street, to their current location and to build handicap access to the basement section of the museum.
Protecting the museum's collection from damage though is taking priority for the time being.
"For the walls in particular, were quoted at around $8,000 dollars for the walls, and we're thinking $10,000 to get them waterproofed and have at least one wall suitable for a mural," said Adams.
To raise the funds, the museum society has started up a GoFundMe campaign, with $600 donated so far.
The goal is to get the waterproofing down in the spring, ideally in time for the museum's opening.
"It's kind of critical that it gets done," said John Armstrong, the society's president. "If you walk through, you'll see there's a lot when it comes to humidity we don't want damaged. For instance, our First Nations artifacts, the First Nation's clothing, that could go moldy."
Donations can be made through the museum's GoFundMe, which can be found by searching , or by reaching out to the museum society through the contacts on their website.
The hope is that with enough funds raised from the community, the museum could also apply for a grant that would match what the donations they receive and cover the costs of the waterproofing.
"There are lots of things we need money for, but we don't have any money so we're scrounging around and we know there are many other causes, but we think the museum is also worthwhile cause," said Armstrong. "To keep things going here, keep the culture alive for a few more years at least."
