Youngest museum curator gains permanent space for Cambridge Natural History Museum

CAMBRIDGE, Ill. (KWQC) -The Cambridge Natural History Museum has secured a permanent home after purchasing the downtown building it occupies at 132 W. Center St.

The Village of Cambridge previously owned the building and allowed the museum to operate rent‑free for two years while it established itself and raised funds.

The museum, founded by Anderson Taylor at age 9, opened in August, 2024. He was recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest museum curator (male). The museum has since drawn visitors from around the world.

The museum’s collection includes fossils, minerals, rocks, artifacts and other natural history specimens. It is open by appointment, with additional hours announced on its Facebook page. Private tours may also be arranged.

Generous support funded the down payment

A GoFundMe campaign launched in August 2025 raised more than $20,000 toward the down payment. Additional support came through a lease agreement with Apex Clean Energy’s Big Bluestem Wind Project, which moved its local office into half of the building in April.

Lease income will cover ongoing expenses and help pay down the purchase principal. The museum expects to pay off the building in about three years.

More support needed to complete necessary renovations

The next priority is masonry repair to stabilize the structure. After essential work is completed, the museum plans to renovate the second‑story apartment and operate it as a short‑term rental to generate additional revenue.

How to support the museum

Donations can be made by check to the Cambridge Natural History Museum, 132 W. Center St., Cambridge, IL 61238.

Donations via PayPal can be completed at cambridgenaturalhistory@gmail.com.

To give through GoFundMe, search for “Cambridge Natural History Museum.”

To plan a visit

For questions or tour scheduling, the museum can be reached at 309‑704‑0110 or cambridgenaturalhistory@gmail.com .