Gilchrist Supports Saving Historic Buildings Across Siouxland
People have been entertained by the arts in Siouxland since our communities were first formed. Some of the area’s oldest landmarks housed theater troupes, musical ensembles and school productions. As these buildings age, they require restoration to continue inspiring future generations of art enthusiasts. Over the years, the Gilchrist Foundation has helped preserve many of these historic places while also supporting efforts to document the stories behind them.
Supporting projects that preserve the arts and the places where they are experienced is central to the Gilchrist Foundation’s mission.
Historic Buildings of Iowa
Iowa Public Television’s “Historic Buildings of Iowa” has showcased the art, innovation and architecture of some of the state’s most historic buildings. Each episode spotlights a different Iowa city. Past episodes have focused on Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City and Mason City. In 2025, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded the Iowa PBS Foundation a $65,000 Project grant to help fund the production of an episode highlighting Sioux City’s historic architecture.
Akron Opera House
The Akron Opera House restoration project is preserving one of northwest Iowa’s most treasured historic landmarks. Originally built in 1905, the Opera House has long served as a gathering place for live performances, community events and local celebrations. Ongoing restoration efforts are ensuring the building remains a vibrant destination for future generations while preserving its historic character.
Recognizing the importance of protecting this community landmark, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded a 1:1 Challenge Match grant of $58,636.47 in 2024 to help advance the restoration project. The investment reflects the Foundation’s commitment to preserving historic spaces where the arts continue to bring communities together.
New Moon Community Theater
For decades, New Moon Community Theater has brought live theater to audiences across northeast Nebraska while providing opportunities for local performers, volunteers and young artists to develop their talents. Today, the organization’s Save the New Moon Theater campaign is working to preserve and improve the theater so it can continue serving as a cultural hub for the region.
The Gilchrist Foundation supported that vision with a $25,000 Capital Campaign grant, helping ensure the theater remains a place where creativity, collaboration and community continue to take center stage.
Norfolk Junior High School Theater
Historic school theaters often become community treasures, serving generations of students while welcoming audiences for concerts, plays and special events. The historic Junior High School Theater in Norfolk is no exception. Restoration efforts are preserving the theater’s architectural character while modernizing the space so it can continue inspiring future performers and audiences alike.
In 2025, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded the Norfolk Public Schools Foundation a $25,000 Capital Campaign grant to support restoration of the historic theater. By investing in projects like this, the Foundation helps preserve important cultural landmarks while creating opportunities for students and communities to experience the performing arts for years to come.
About the Gilchrist Foundation
The Gilchrist Foundation was established by Jocelyn Gilchrist to honor her family’s long tradition of philanthropy and to strengthen organizations that enrich Iowa’s cultural and natural landscape. Throughout her life, Jocelyn supported the arts, wildlife and conservation, public broadcasting, and disaster relief, both personally and through the Foundation.
Since her passing in 2008, the Foundation has continued this legacy by investing in projects that build lasting impact. Its mission is to strengthen charitable organizations and enable transformative projects that enrich communities, rather than simply funding short-term needs.
By supporting projects like these, the Foundation is preserving historic landmarks across Siouxland while ensuring the arts continue to enrich communities for generations to come.
To learn more about the Gilchrist Foundation, visit thegilchristfoundation.org.