Posted November 30, 2001

The preservation and restoration of Old Capitol is an ongoing priority and financial responsibility for The University of Iowa. At the UI's request, since the early 1970s The University of Iowa Foundation has conducted fund-raising activities to benefit Old Capitol. The first concerted effort was designed to help support an extensive Old Capitol restoration project, completed in time for the U.S. Bicentennial celebration in July 1976. Approximately $800,000 in private gifts was generated toward a total renovation cost of more than $1 million.

The dome in flames on November 20.

Since the 1976 campaign, the UI Foundation has continued to raise gifts from among interested alumni and friends for the Old Capitol Endowment Fund, a permanent resource used to support continuing improvements, such as antique or replica furnishings, and expanded educational programming. Outright gifts and pledges received for Old Capitol in the ensuing 25 years total approximately $478,000.

On the morning of November 20, 2001, as the Old Capitol dome still burned, the UI Foundation received its first (and unsolicited) gift from a contributor who asked that the gift be directed toward the rebuilding of the dome. Based on this gift, and similar inquiries that followed immediately thereafter, the Foundation established a new account to receive gifts from alumni and friends who were moved by the fire's destruction. The gift account was originally named the "Old Capitol Rebuilding Fund." However, when it became clear that insurance would likely cover most if not all fire-related damage, the account name was changed to the "Old Capitol Renewal Fund" to reflect the possibility of broader (and ongoing) restoration needs.

The UI Foundation has not actively sought gifts to this fund, which was created merely as a conduit for individuals wishing to "do something to help" in response to the fire, but we will we continue (and adapt as necessary) our ongoing fund-raising efforts on Old Capitol's behalf. The establishment of a separate fund allows the Foundation to clearly identify contributors who are primarily interested in assisting in the aftermath of the fire. In this way, we can more easily communicate with those donors when more is known about the degree of damage, the cost of rebuilding, and the extent to which insurance will cover total expenses.

In the event that insurance and other funding sources cover the full cost of replacing the dome and repairing any internal damage, the UI Foundation will contact all Old Capitol Renewal Fund contributors and offer the following options: (1) to use their gifts for ongoing Old Capitol restoration and programming needs (see below); (2) to redirect their gifts to any other area(s) of the University; or (3) to have their gifts refunded.

These are among the current Old Capitol funding priorites that require private gift support, and for which Old Capitol Renewal Fund contributions would be used:

• First, to cover the under-funded portions of the two-phase, $1.3 million exterior Old Capitol renovation project that was under way at the time of the fire. Specifically, Phase I includes restoration of the cupola beneath the dome and the East Portico; Phase II includes restoration of the West Portico and the decorative roofline cornices on the north and south ends of the building.

• To fund much-needed interior improvements, such as a fire suppression system designed to protect Old Capitol's valuable artifacts, and replacement of carpeting and draperies with specially manufactured materials that meet historic renovation specifications.

• To continue to expand and preserve the Old Capitol Museum's collection of historic items from Iowa's past, including rare books from the state's first library, period antiques, and other exhibits, adding value for museum visitors (more than 40,000 people visit Old Capitol each year).

• To build the Old Capitol Endowment Fund, a permanent resource used for ongoing restoration projects, as well as educational programming and staffing needs.

Gifts to help the University meet Old Capitol's ongoing needs are welcome, especially at a time when the restoration has taken a dramatic turn. These efforts will become part of the University's comprehensive campaign, which already includes a substantial endowment goal (tentatively set at $1 million or more) in support of Old Capitol. If additional private funding is required as a direct result of the fire, the official campaign goal for Old Capitol will be increased accordingly.

Contact Information

Olga Sassine
Director of Development
(319) 335-3305 or (800) 648-6973

Make a gift to the Old Capitol.

To read more about Old Capitol, visit its award-winning website.
For more information about the fire, visit the UI News Service site.