William A. Thompson Exhibit

     Built in 1937 & delivered to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Fountain City, WI, dredge William A. Thompson maintains the navigation channel of several upper Midwestern rivers, particularly the Upper Mississippi. Nearly 270 feet long & weighing 1,370 tons, this unique vessel is part of the lives of all who love this beautiful river valley. Once it is decommissioned in 2008 William A.Thompson will be set on specicially constructed platform adjacent to the museum, restored, refurbished and serve as a dynamic exhibit to the museum.

The dredge William A. Thompson is still scheduled to become part of the museum's permanent collection in 2008, but we do not have a firm arrival date as of yet. It was decided several years ago that the US Army Corps of Engineers is looking forward to having the WAT at the Museum. Currently, paperwork required by several federal governmental agencies is being completed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The boat will be released to the Museum upon the completion, submission and approval of that paperwork. Even though we are assured delivery, we don’t have a firm date as to when that will happen. Continue checking website for updates and thank you for your patience.