Brucemore was recently awarded a Humanities Project Grant through the State Historical Society of Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor for Season Two of the Nooks and Crannies of History digital series. This state grant supports humanities projects that “encourage contemplation, spark conversation, and engage the community.”
In 2024, Brucemore launched a new digital series called Nooks and Crannies of History, featuring stories about people, places, and times that aim to share more diverse stories. This program is not merely about recounting historical facts but about using history to tell a story and connect current-day audiences with the past, present, and future.
For instance, the story of a mobster with connections to former Brucemore residents, Howard and Margaret Hall, offers a lens through which we can examine the social and cultural dynamics of the time, drawing connections between the era’s gambling dens and illustrating the impacts of illicit activities. Similarly, the account of a Gilded Age actress linked to a piece of art displayed in Brucemore’s library highlights how a snapshot of an individual life continues to influence and enrich our cultural heritage and gender treatment today.
By offering free virtual streaming, Brucemore eliminates financial and geographical barriers that might prevent individuals from engaging with its history. This initiative helps attract a broader, more diverse audience, including those who may not have the means or opportunity to visit in person, or who may not realize they can relate to a historic site. By connecting local history to its national significance, the project hopes to foster a deeper sense of pride and belonging and to inspire interest in history as a field.
This grant award partially supports Season Two of the series set to go live in 2025. During this season, the focus will shift towards broadening the audience base using knowledge and analytics gained in the pilot season. Other support for digital content, live programs, and onsite events comes from donations and grants to the Brucemore Supporter Fund.
Brucemore Artisan Studio
This program is produced under the umbrella of the Brucemore Artisan Studio, expanding the organization’s focus on supporting underserved artists and stories in a variety of mediums and genres. Through access to mentorship, technologies, and trusting audiences, the Studio serves as a hub for talent and community-building. Explore other free digital content on the Brucemore Artisan Studio YouTube page.
About The State Historical Society of Iowa
The State Historical Society of Iowa has been a trustee of Iowa’s historical legacy since 1857. With a dual mission of preservation and education, the society maintains a museum, two research centers, and seven historic sites. The society preserves and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources through a variety of statewide programs, exhibitions, and projects while serving as an advocate for Iowa’s past and connector to the future.
Policy Statement
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this digital content do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.