The museum entered into a contract-purchase agreement with the Village of Cambridge, which previously owned the building. For the past two years, the Village graciously allowed the museum to use the space rent-free, giving the young organization time to become established and raise funds toward securing a permanent home.
Anderson Taylor, founder and curator of the Cambridge Natural History Museum, opened the museum on August 10, 2024, when he was just 9 years old. He was recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest museum curator (male). The museum has attracted visitors from around the globe.
In August 2025, Anderson launched a GoFundMe campaign to help purchase the building. More than $20,000 has been raised to date, with those contributions being used toward the down payment.
Another essential part of making the purchase possible at this time is the museum’s lease agreement with Apex Clean Energy’s Big Bluestem Wind Project. The company moved its local office into half of the building in April. Lease income from the office will cover the building’s ongoing expenses, with the remaining funds applied toward the purchase principal.
The arrangement is expected to allow the museum to pay off the building within approximately three years. Continued donations from the public would help pay off the building sooner while allowing the museum to begin addressing needed building repairs and improvements.
The most immediate priority is masonry work needed to bring the building into a more sustainable condition. Once those essential repairs are completed, the museum plans to renovate the second-story apartment and operate it as a short-term rental. The apartment would provide overnight accommodations for visitors to the Cambridge area while creating a recurring source of income to support the museum.
Securing the building ensures that the Cambridge Natural History Museum can continue growing its collection, providing educational opportunities and welcoming visitors for years to come.
The museum is open by appointment and during additional hours announced on its Facebook page. Private tours may also be arranged.
Donations may be made through:
- Check: Cambridge Natural History Museum, 132 W. Center St., Cambridge, IL 61238
- PayPal: cambridgenaturalhistory@gmail.com
- GoFundMe: Search for “Cambridge Natural History Museum”
For questions or to arrange a private tour, contact the museum at (309) 704-0110 or by email at cambridgenaturalhistory@gmail.com.
About the Cambridge Natural History Museum
The Cambridge Natural History Museum was founded by Anderson Taylor to encourage curiosity and learning about the natural world. Its growing collection includes fossils, minerals, rocks, artifacts and other specimens that help visitors explore natural history and the stories of the world around them.
