Help the American Gothic House Center match our Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant!

Who we are: The American Gothic House Center, operated by Wapello County and owned by the City of Eldon, is a permanent resource for art and cultural education. Our mission is to integrate the puzzle pieces of American Gothic by linking the house that inspired the painting to the impact of American Gothic and Grant Wood on American art. Powered by over thirty dedicated volunteers from Eldon, Ottumwa and beyond, the Center is driven by committed members of your community.

What we do: The American Gothic house in Eldon, Iowa provided the inspiration for Grant Wood’s most famous painting, American Gothic. The American Gothic House Center enhances the value of the historic house by inviting visitors into a space brimming with opportunity to learn about and appreciate our precious Midwest cultural heritage. The Center hosts events like bus tours, lectures and children’s parties which benefit a variety of audiences.

Why we Matter: A vital part of your community The Center attracts countless travelers and educational institutions from southern Iowa to northern Missouri. Since opening in June 2007 the Center has hosted over 35,000 people, including individuals from all 50 states and 41 foreign countries for tours, events, and regular visits. Annual visitor numbers are steadily rising, proving that our organization envelops a treasured part of history. The Center also benefits southeast Iowa financially as it draws visitors off the roads who purchase lodging, food, and entertainment.

Your support is Critical.  The endowment establishment campaign is the beginning of an ongoing drive to ensure the long term sustainability of the American Gothic House Center. An endowment is a permanent, persistent resource which provides funding to expand during successful years and offers security in challenging times. Establishing an endowment is the responsibility of any prudent nonprofit organization, and with your support the American Gothic House Center can continue to attract visitors and provide education for many years to come.

Please help us by donating now. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations.