LYNDEN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A longstanding landmark of Whatcom County history needs the community’s help.

The Lynden Heritage Museum is trying to raise $100,000 to keep its doors open.

The museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, but it comes amid what staff are calling one of its most difficult chapters in history.

A small fire at the building last November forced the museum to dig into its reserves and operating funds to cover some of the damages. The museum says significant and unexpected funding cuts from the City of Lynden paired with rising insurance premiums, utility costs and everyday expenses have added to the financial strain.

It’s forced the museum to cut staff positions and reduce its hours from seven days a week to three.

Museum director Jennifer Moss tells My Bellingham Now that they’ve already raised nearly $15,000 as the first week of the fundraising campaign wraps up.

Moss says they need to reach their goal by September or October to keep the museum open.

Donations can be made through the museum’s website.