(Lisa Bowers/Mining Journal photo) THE U.S. NATIONAL SKI & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum in Ishpeming has been awarded $25,000 from the MI Nonprofit Relief Fund.

ISHPEMING — An Ishpeming nonprofit was recently awarded $25,000 to help with museum support post-COVID.

The U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum received a $25,000 grant from the MI Nonprofit Relief Fund. This funding comes from the federal COVID relief funds awarded to the state as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

Because the hall of fame had to cancel two consecutive years of major fundraising events due to the pandemic, the nonprofit saw reduced museum admissions that led to a 40% reduction in total annual revenue, forcing layoffs and closures.

This resulted in delays to renovations and refurbishments that are necessary to keep the museum in sustainable condition.

“Being in an underserved community, we pride ourselves on our ability to share our common heritage and build powerful connections with Michigan citizens and national and international visitors. We are a landmark in Michigan tourism providing public access to our history and culture through historical one-of-a-kind ski collections and exhibits,” U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum Executive Director Justin Koski said in a news release. “Funding from this relief grant will allow us to further our mission and create a greater awareness of the heritage and impact that skiing has had in shaping our community and its history. Visiting museums and understanding your local heritage are two very important things for our community to understand and help solidify the pride that they have in their communities in an effort to get them to stay here and raise their children here.”

Funding from the grant will go toward continued repairs and upgrades to the museum.

For more information, go online to skihall.com.