The John Deere Foundation of Deere & Company today announced a gift of $100,000 to help construct the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa. The capital campaign for the museum, to be built in Cedar Rapids, has now raised more than $2.12 million of a $2.88 million goal.

In making the announcement, Deere & Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert W. Lane said that Deere is honored to be part of the campaign. "Our donation reflects our respect for the significant contributions of African Americans to the state of Iowa. The African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center will benefit all Iowans as it preserves and shares the state's rich cultural African American heritage."

The museum is scheduled to open in the summer of 2002, on city-owned property on the banks of the Cedar River. The facility will interpret the African American history of the entire state of Iowa, in addition to related exhibits on Africa and the United States. Also included in the museum will be a link to the Iowa Communications Network, establishing the first statewide multicultural educational network.

Deere & Company is the world's premiere producer of agricultural equipment; a leading manufacturer of construction, forestry, commercial and consumer equipment; and a business leader in parts, engines, financial services and special technologies.

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