 |
 |
Your Visit - Frequently Asked Questions
|
|
Need Some Answers? Check the list of frequently asked questions. If your question is not posted, please contact us or call 319-362-7375
Can I have my wedding/wedding reception/wedding photos at Brucemore?
When Margaret Douglas Hall bequeathed Brucemore to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, she provided hew limitations - no partisan political events and no private events.
Can I have a private party?
Corporate members and non-profit organizations may use the estate for exempt purposes. Private individual use of the property is not permitted under Margaret Douglas Hall’s agreement with the National Trust.
Do I have to make an appointment to tour the mansion?
Individuals and groups may tour the mansion during regular hours. The mansion is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 3:00 p.m. Tours begin at the top of the hour. Tour tickets are available in the Museum Store. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the beginning of the tour. Larger groups (more than 10 people) are better accommodated by reservations made at least two weeks in advance. The mansion is closed to the public in January for thorough cleaning and specific restoration projects.
How do I make reservations for group tours?
To make a reservation for groups of more than ten, call the Brucemore office at 319-362-7375 during business hours, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Is Brucemore accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. A wheelchair lift provides access to the first floor of the mansion. A main floor pantry was adapted to a fully accessible restroom in 1996. For those visitors unable to navigate the mansion's stairs, a video tour (with captions) explains the site's history and incorporates images of the mansion and grounds. The Visitor Center, including Museum Store and exhibitions, is fully accessible. People with disabilities requiring special assistance are encouraged to call prior to their visit.
May I take photos of the mansion/exhibits/grounds?
For reasons of security and protection of the collection, photographs are not allowed in the mansion. Bright light, such as a flash from a camera, can change the color and appearance of objects. Exterior photography is permitted. Professional photography on the estate must be pre-approved by Brucemore's Executive Director.
How many people work at Brucemore?
The estate is operated by 14 full-time, 8 part-time, and 2 seasonal employees. This includes executive, administrative, buildings & grounds maintenance, gardening, and housekeeping staff. Brucemore depends heavily upon volunteers (approximately 240 individuals) and interns to assist in all areas of Brucemore's operations: giving tours; working in the gardens, archives, and museum store; and providing help with special events and administrative functions. Without the generous efforts of volunteers, the estate would be unable to function at its current level.
Who owns Brucemore?
Brucemore is a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Brucemore is operated in co-stewardship by the National Trust and Brucemore, Inc., which is a non-profit organization composed of local, community leaders.
What is the National Trust for Historic Preservation?
Chartered in 1949, the National Trust's mission is to "provide leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities." In addition to its twenty-five historic properties, the National Trust works to save historic buildings and neighborhoods and to educate citizens about ways to preserve their heritage. The National Trust is a non-profit organization and not part of any governmental entity.
How is Brucemore funded?
Brucemore's operating budget is funded by endowment income, tour and usage fees, membership contributions, the Museum Store, grants and donations. The Hall and the Perrine (Mr. Hall's sister and brother-in-law) families provided endowments to support the operation and preservation of Brucemore. Brucemore is not owned by the city, nor does it receive any direct local or federal tax monies.
How did Brucemore get its name?
It is a combination of the middle name of the second owner of the estate, George Bruce Douglas, and an allusion to the moors of Scotland. There were no "Brucemores." Under the original owner, Mrs. Sinclair, the estate was called the "Sinclair Mansion" and "Fairhome."
Do people still live at Brucemore?
While no one has lived in the mansion since 1981, two former Hall employees who were granted life tenancy by Margaret Douglas Hall live at Brucemore.
How can I receive information about Brucemore in the mail?
To receive information, go to the Contact page and complete the online form or, call 319-362-7375.
How can I become a Brucemore volunteer or member?
For information, go to the About page and click the appropriate link. Complete the online form or, call 319-362-7375.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
