Five years ago, the staff at Brucemore took shelter in the basement of the Brucemore Carriage House from what was considered a “typical Iowa thunderstorm.” No one could have anticipated the devastation that occurred across the site and the community.
Today, that devastation is a distant memory because of the incredible work completed by the employees of Brucemore, many partners in planting, and hundreds of community donations! From glimmers of hope in the weeks after the storm to the many trees and shrubs planted that are growing now, the organization has transcended a seemingly insurmountable challenge.
The Board of Trustees and staff celebrate with you today as we look back at the inspiring work completed across the site in the last five years:
- Reclamation of special spaces like the Night Garden, Orchard, and First Avenue lawn, for you to spend time with family and friends.
- Establishment of new woodland pathways to encourage exploration and provide safe spaces for you to take a walk in nature in the middle of the city.
- Preservation of historic structures, gates, and works of art for you to step back in time while also creating your own stories today as a part of this place’s history.
However, Brucemore is not ready to declare mission accomplished! There is still more work to be done. The plan for the next five years includes both the pond and pool, completing the Servants’ Village restoration work, and continuing to plant trees, shrubs, and flowers across the estate guided by our thoughtful designs. That’s in addition to the growth of programs like the Artisan Studio, connecting artists and audiences together while utilizing the site as your home away from home.
We are excited to announce that an anonymous donor has agreed to match donations dollar for dollar to the Preservation Fund in August up to $5,000.
This month, you are invited to support this effort by investing in a gift to the Preservation Fund, knowing that your donation will be doubled!
Ultimately, Brucemore is not defined by the success of any single initiative or donor, but by the unwavering commitment to inspire. We are grateful for your investment in this place and encourage you to celebrate the achievements of the last five years, as together we turn our attention to the future.