At the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) Virtual Golden Silo Barn Party on November 12, 2020, Brucemore was honored with two awards.
First, Brucemore was named the Silos & Smokestacks 2020 “People’s Choice Site of the Year,” an honor presented to one SSNHA Partner Site based on votes by the public. Public voting ran March 16-20, 2020 and the winner was announced on April 7 via a special announcement on the Silos & Smokestacks Facebook page.
Director of Community Engagement Tara Richards accepted the award on behalf of Brucemore. She said, “In a year when we’ve had to close due to the pandemic and damage from the derecho, this award means a great deal to our staff and Board of Trustees.
“We are thrilled to recognize Brucemore as our People’s Choice site of the year,” said Silos & Smokestacks Executive Director Cara Miller. “They have worked hard to maintain a quality museum over the years that has stayed relevant for the community and visitors.”
Second, Brucemore was recognized with a Gold Silo for Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture for the programming that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Douglas Starch Works Explosion. This award is presented annually honors an individual, organization, project, business, agency, or local government who has shown extraordinary effort in preserving the icons of American agriculture.
Museum Program Manager Melissa Porter accepted the award on behalf of Brucemore. She said, “We couldn’t have done this without the support of community partners such as the African American Museum of Iowa, Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, University of Iowa Labor Center, National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, Cedar Rapids Public Library, State Historical Society of Iowa, and more. Together with The History Center exhibit, we were able to generate awareness to remember the lives lost and the resiliency of our community.
About the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area
The mission of Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is to preserve and tell the story of American agriculture — past, present and future. Visit one of SSNHAs 115 partner sites throughout Northeast Iowa to learn more about the history of farming or to experience the new and amazing innovations in the agriculture industry. Or, explore Iowans as leaders in agriculture in Silos & Smokestacks’ traveling exhibit, “It Takes An Iowan.” For more information, click here.