The Sturdevant House Special Project Fund has been established with the Bremer County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, to support the ongoing restoration, preservation, and educational programming of one of Waverly’s treasured historic sites.
Created in partnership with descendants, dedicated local volunteers, and community supporters, the fund will help ensure the Sturdevant House remains a vibrant and accessible resource for generations to come.
Built between 1855 and 1856, the Ira and Asenath Sturdevant House is one of the oldest surviving homes in Waverly. Nestled along the Cedar River, the historic brick residence has stood for more than 170 years, serving as a family home, a refuge for Native American travelers, an example of sustainable farming and now a historic time capsule and gathering place for the community.
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Today, the home is preserved and operated as a living history museum by a nonprofit organization started by descendants of Ira and Asenath Sturdevant. The nonprofit’s mission is to restore the house to its original appearance and share its rich history with future generations by offering tours, programs and hands-on activities to community groups of all ages. Guests experience 1850s history firsthand. Through historical interpretation, demonstrations and sharing its stories, they strive to preserve this vital piece of Waverly’s heritage. One of the few remaining structures from the town’s earliest days, the Sturdevant House offers a look into the daily lives of early settlers and Waverly’s founding families.
Initial priorities for the fund include continued restoration of the home and grounds, preservation of historical artifacts and expansion of interactive, hands-on programming that brings 1850s life to today’s audiences. Through guided tours, school programs, workshops and community events, visitors can experience early settler life firsthand, from candle dipping and butter churning to agricultural demonstrations and storytelling.
These efforts will also support new exhibits, enhanced visitor experiences and expanded educational opportunities for learners of all ages.
“The Sturdevant House is more than a historic home, it’s a place where Waverly’s past educates its present and shapes its future,” said Kris Brunkhorst, Board of Directors.
“Preserving one of Waverly’s oldest homes and transforming it into a hands-on pioneer museum has been a long-time goal of our board. We are excited to see it come alive,” said Elizabeth Hartman, Board of Directors.
Financial gifts of cash/check and stock are accepted through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Checks to the fund should be made payable to the Sturdevant House Special Project Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at www.cfneia.org/donations/sturdevanthouse/.
Donors to the fund may take advantage of normal federal deductions for charitable gifts.
Questions about giving to the fund may be directed to Paula Hill, charitable advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1352 or phill@cfneia.org.
