GREEN BAY, Wis. — State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner welcomed the Museum Task Force’s recommendation that the Neville Public Museum and the Children’s Museum of Green Bay remain independent institutions, while calling for the next stage of the process to give Brown County residents a meaningful voice in the Neville’s future. The task force concluded that the challenges and risks of a merger and shared facility outweighed the potential benefits. Its report recommended allowing each museum to pursue its own strategic vision, growth opportunities, and organizational priorities. For the Neville, the task force also identified opportunities to expand diverse and collaborative programming, make better use of its space, and help create a stronger downtown cultural destination.

“I am grateful to every person who served on this task force and gave their time, experience, and thoughtful consideration to the future of these two important institutions,” Rivera-Wagner said. “The conclusion that each museum should remain independent is a positive outcome that protects what makes each one special while giving both the opportunity to grow and better serve our community.”

Rivera-Wagner joined local artists, historians, neighborhood leaders, nonprofit organizations, and other community members in circulating the “Protect Our Neville Public Museum” petition. More than 900 people have signed the petition supporting a publicly owned, publicly funded, professionally directed, and creatively independent Neville. The petition also called for public participation before major decisions are made regarding the museum’s leadership, funding, mission, partnerships, collections, or physical space.

With the proposed merger no longer moving forward, Rivera-Wagner said Brown County now has an opportunity to begin a broader conversation about the museum’s long-term direction. That process should include public listening sessions and direct engagement with residents, museum professionals, artists, historians, educators, cultural organizations, and community stakeholders.

“The Neville belongs to the people of Brown County, and a public institution deserves a public conversation about its future,” Rivera-Wagner said. “This recommendation gives us an opportunity to move forward together: to listen to our neighbors, secure strong professional leadership and reliable public support, and build a future for the Neville that preserves our history while telling the stories of everyone who calls this community home.”

Rivera-Wagner emphasized that the next steps should build on the task force’s work through collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to protecting the Neville for future generations.