One of only 29 National Trust Historic Sites in the nation, Brucemore holds an important piece of America’s agricultural story. Located in the heart of Cedar Rapids, the Queen Anne style mansion has been the home of three prominent families since its construction in 1884. Of the families to inhabit Brucemore, two were instrumental in the agri-industrial revolution that drew hundreds of immigrants to the region.
The estate’s first resident, Caroline Sinclair, built the mansion following the death of her husband T.M., who was the owner the largest meatpacking plant in the state. In 1906, Caroline negotiated a house trade with George Bruce Douglas, a co-founder of the Quaker Oats Company. The Douglases renamed the estate Brucemore. Listed on the National Register in 1976, the estate was donated to the National Trust in 1981 by its last owner, Margaret Hall.
Today the estate serves as a historic site and community cultural center, hosting an array of cultural, philanthropic and educational activities. Among these events is “A Douglas Family Christmas.” During the first three weeks of December, the estate comes to life on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. as live interpreters offer a special holiday tour.
Located in the 1911 carriage house, the Visitor Center introduces visitors to the estate through two exhibits, including the “Families of Brucemore” exhibition and one changing exhibit that showcases other aspects of the estate. This is also the location of the Brucemore Museum Store and Cutting Gardens. From the mansion to the formal garden and the many treasures in between, a visit to Brucemore reveals intriguing stories from the past.
The Visitor Center is open year round, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Mansion tours are given Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. For more information call 319-362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.
Topics: Spotlight Site
