Pack a Lunch, Unpack History

Bring your lunch and feed your curiosity as we explore the stories, questions, and discoveries that bring history to life. Each program takes a closer look at a different person, place, event, or idea connected to Brucemore — revealing new perspectives and unexpected connections along the way. Led by members of Brucemore’s collections team, guest speakers, and special presenters, these conversations go beyond the typical tour to uncover fascinating research, archival discoveries, and the human experiences that shape our understanding of the past. Whether you’re a longtime history fan or simply looking for an interesting way to spend your lunch break, come learn something unexpected, share your curiosity with others, and discover a new side of history.

August 27 – Surviving the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

What can we learn from the stories that are missing?

In 1906, George and Irene Douglas traveled to San Francisco expecting a family vacation. Instead, they found themselves in the midst of one of the deadliest earthquakes in American history. George documented the terrifying experience, but Irene’s perspective — as a mother trying to escape with an infant and young child — was never recorded. Join Curator of Museum Collections Jessica Peel-Austin for a closer look at the Douglas family’s experience and the detective work historians use to uncover the voices, experiences, and stories that are often missing from the historical record. Through archival research, we can piece together a fuller picture of the past — including the perspectives that were left behind.

Event Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM

Event Location: Brucemore’s Carriage House

Event Admission:

• $10 general admission
• Tickets may be purchased in advance online or over the phone or in-person at the event.
• Brucemore supporters receive a $5 discount per ticket. To use your discount, please sign in using the link in the upper right corner of the purchase page or call (319) 362-7375.
• A $4 processing fee will be applied to all online and phone orders.

Important Event Information

To help make the most of your visit, we’ve prepared a few tips. If you have any questions that haven’t been answered here, our team is happy to help. Please email us or call 319-362-7375 to reach a Brucemore staff member.

 What to Know Before You Go:

• Meals are not included in this event. Please plan to bring your own lunch to enjoy during the presentation.
• Seating will be provided inside the event space at Brucemore’s Carriage House.
• This event is scheduled to last approximately one hour.

 Navigating the site:

• The entrance to the estate is on Linden Drive. Some GPS systems may try to take you to another gate. This labeled Google Map can help you plan your route to the entrance before you arrive.
• When you arrive on the site, follow signs to the Carriage House. Parking is available in spaces around the building. If Carriage House parking is full, additional parking is available near the Mansion.
• Event check-in is inside the Carriage House. Please follow signs to the entrance to check in or purchase a ticket.

Ticket and Photo Policies:

• All ticket sales are non-refundable. Please read our ticket policy here.
• At this event, photography and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes. If you have concerns about your likeness appearing in these photos and videos, please talk to a staff member when you check in for the event.