The Fort la Reine Museum is thankful after receiving a large donation.

Portage Mutual Insurance handed over $5,000 last week.

Executive director Madison Connolly says the money is going towards the general fund.

"Which is incredible. We don't count on it. It's always a gift. It's so nice to see, especially this year, amid COVID-19, that we have a bit of buffer. It's also nice to confirm we have a local organization working with the museum."

Like many other industries, the museum was uncertain about how they would stay relevant during the pandemic.

Connolly says the donation was a well-needed boost.

"Just the fact we couldn't host spring fundraisers, have school tours or field trips come. That's a major part of our revenue that we bring in, and obviously, we weren't able to have that. This donation has brought a lot of relief to the organization."

The museum is operating 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Connolly says it's important to preserve the future.

"Heritage organizations tend to fall lower on the docket when it comes to fundraising and giving. That makes complete sense. We're not a life or death charity. I just know in my heart that heritage is so important and because we're here to preserve everyone's stories, not just a small group."