A notable western Iowa museum devoted to acclaimed actress Donna Reed is potentially getting a makeover, amid a quest to place $250,000 into two projects.
Two officials with the Donna Reed Foundation in Denison, Iowa, told Siouxland Public Media News that they want to keep providing a great series of options associated with the museum, so an influx of money is being sought.
They are seeking a $100,000 state of Iowa grant and also embarking on a fundraising campaign of $150,000 for scholarships and workshops.
John Fujii is Board President of the Donna Reed Foundation of the Performing Arts.
He said, “Our fundraising is about Donna Reed’s legacy and connections across generations. We want to share the Donna Reed story in meaningful ways and support creative talent through programs like the Merit awards and Children’s Musical Theater workshops.”
Reed played the wife to actor Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey in the 1946 Christmas classic, It's a Wonderful Life. The movie title is used in promoting the city of Denison, such as being painted on a water tower.
Reed won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for “From Here to Eternity," and willed her Oscar to the City of Denison in her will.
By the 1990s, a multi-day Donna Reed Festival was established, playing out for years in the Donna Reed Theater, a beautiful former opera house that dates to 1914. That festival is no longer held.
If received, the $100,00 state grant would be used for the Reed facility, while the fundraising of $150,000 will go to scholarships.
Mary Owen is the youngest daughter of Donna Reed, who starred in the long-running "Donna Reed Show," and Owen also Board Secretary of the foundation.
Owen said what is important is “growing programs like the Merit Scholarship, expanding our reach through the museum and archives, and joining global celebrations like the It’s a Wonderful Life (80th) anniversary that is coming up next year. The Donna Reed message isn’t limited by geography—it belongs to the world.”
When it comes to repairs, the roof needs substantial work.
“The theatre requires ongoing attention to remain safe for the future. We’re addressing water vulnerabilities—repairing leaks, reinforcing areas that could be compromised, and protecting the 1914 structure from preventable long-term damage. While my mother’s legacy isn’t tied to the building, we take seriously our role as responsible stewards of this historic landmark.” Owen said.
The Denison City Council members in their meeting last week discussed a development agreement with the Donna Reed Foundation, but took no action.
