Using the estate for community programs, cultural events, and tours requires on-going preservation of the landscape, buildings, and infrastructure. The structures across site are complex puzzles of aging stone, wood, metal, slate, glass, and brick that require relentless preservation.
Check back for updates on projects happening across the estate.
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2024 Preservation and Restoration
Brucemore is the only National Trust site in Iowa and is among the most significant cultural landscapes in the Midwest. Despite plenty of historic challenges, this irreplaceable estate is in…
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Landscape Restoration Project
The Landscape Restoration Project aims to revitalize public usability, restore a healthy ecological space, utilize native species and storm-resistant techniques, make maintenance improvements, and rebuild historical accuracy for visitor education…
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Derecho Recovery Projects
On August 10, 2020, a powerful windstorm known as a derecho swept across the Midwest, causing massive devastation along its path. The derecho reached hurricane-like windspeeds of 140 miles per…
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Mansion Slate Roof Replacement
Much of the Manion roof has a steep slope covered in individual slate tile shingles. During the 2020 derecho, the wind ripped many of the shingles from the roof to…
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Mansion Envelope Restoration Project
This multi-year project has the largest scope of those being funded by the Pride & Preservation Campaign. In the summer and fall of 2017, Brucemore staff and Trustees contracted with…
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Site-Wide Infrastructure
A comprehensive site-wide infrastructure plan – a key element of the Pride & Preservation Campaign – outlines necessary updates to critical infrastructure across the estate, including enhancements to exterior lighting,…
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Preserving the Chimney Caps
When Caroline Sinclair hired builders to construct her home, she was able to draw upon a pool of laborers and artisans whose accomplishments still impress visitors over a century later.…
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Restoring the Study
The Study was restored to its 1910 appearance in 1997. Restoration of the Sitting Room/Study included furniture conservation and reproduction, installation of new window treatments, and faux painting of several…
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Lord & Burnham Greenhouse Rehabilitation
From 2011 to 2012, Brucemore rehabilitated the historic Lord & Burnham Greenhouse in the heart of the estate. Around 1915, the Douglas family purchased the Lord & Burnham Greenhouse to…
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