Take a break from your busy schedule to feed your curiosity and your stomach. Bring your lunch to Brucemore's Carriage House and enjoy a story from the past with other history fans. Each program will cover a topic connected to Brucemore's history. Whether you've already taken every tour and want to go deeper into the story or you just want a change of scenery for your lunch break, we welcome you to come learn with us!

August 27 – Surviving the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

What can we learn from the stories that are missing?

In 1906, George and Irene Douglas traveled to San Francisco expecting a family vacation. Instead, they found themselves in the midst of one of the deadliest earthquakes in American history. George documented the terrifying experience, but Irene’s perspective — as a mother trying to escape with an infant and young child — was never recorded. Join Curator of Museum Collections Jessica Peel-Austin for a closer look at the Douglas family’s experience and the detective work historians use to uncover the voices, experiences, and stories that are often missing from the historical record. Through archival research, we can piece together a fuller picture of the past — including the perspectives that were left behind.

Event Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM

Event Location: Brucemore's Carriage House

Event Admission:

• $5 general admission
• Tickets may be purchased in advance online or over the phone or in-person at the event.
• A $4 processing fee will be applied to all online and phone orders.

Important Event Information

To help make the most of your visit, we’ve prepared a few tips. If you have any questions that haven’t been answered here, our team is happy to help. Please email us or call 319-362-7375 to reach a Brucemore staff member.

 What to Know Before You Go:

• Meals are not included in this event. Please plan to bring your own lunch to enjoy during the presentation.
• Seating will be provided inside the event space at Brucemore’s Carriage House.
• This event is scheduled to last approximately one hour.

 Navigating the site:

• The entrance to the estate is on Linden Drive. Some GPS systems may try to take you to another gate. This labeled Google Map can help you plan your route to the entrance before you arrive.
• When you arrive on the site, follow signs to the Carriage House. Parking is available in spaces around the building. If Carriage House parking is full, additional parking is available near the Mansion.
• Event check-in is inside the Carriage House. Please follow signs to the entrance to check in or purchase a ticket.

Ticket and Photo Policies:

• All ticket sales are non-refundable. Please read our ticket policy here.
• At this event, photography and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes. If you have concerns about your likeness appearing in these photos and videos, please talk to a staff member when you check in for the event.