05/31/2026
In 2014, the East Central Neighborhood Association purchased the historic Emily Kimbrough home and designated it the Emily Kimbrough Museum, Since then, it has been a place where neighbors gather, ideas are shared, and community is built. Today, we have the opportunity to preserve and revitalize this important space so it can continue serving our neighborhood for years to come.
We are launching a $50,000 Capital Campaign to restore, preserve, and maintain this historic community house. This investment will allow us not only to address urgent repairs and restoration needs, but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of the building as a welcoming neighborhood gathering place.
Why This Campaign Matters
Communities thrive when people have places to gather. In a time when meaningful connection is increasingly rare, spaces like the Emily Kimbrough Museum serve as an essential “third space”—a place outside of home and work where relationships are formed, creativity is nurtured, and neighbors become friends.
Our vision is to continue using the house for neighborhood functions and community-centered programming, including:
• Community meetings and neighborhood events
• Poetry readings and writer gatherings
• Artist workshops and creative collaborations
• Book clubs and educational classes
• Cultural programming and small group events
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By revitalizing this house, we are preserving more than a building, we are protecting a place of belonging, creativity, and connection for the entire community.
Building on Recent Progress
Thanks to ongoing community support and dedicated stewardship, important improvements have already been completed in recent years, including:
• Installation of a new HVAC system
• Updated electrical work
• Replacement of the rear roof
• Complete restoration of the entry room ceiling
These investments have laid a strong foundation for the next phase of restoration.
Our Revitalization Plan
The campaign will move forward in two phases:
Phase One: Exterior Revitalization
Our first priority is restoring and stabilizing the building’s façade, improving both structural integrity and curb appeal while preserving the character of the house.
Phase Two: Interior Improvements
The second phase will focus on interior restoration and improvements that make the space more functional, welcoming, and accessible for community use.
Every Dollar Has Greater Impact
We are currently pursuing two matching grant opportunities, meaning every dollar donated to this campaign has the potential to be multiplied and make an even greater impact. Community support now will strengthen our grant applications and help unlock additional funding for critical repairs and restoration work.
Through the efforts of members of the neighborhood Board Association, we have already raised $20,000 for the campaign. We have an opportunity to apply for a matching grant that is due this Thursday (June 4, 2026) and we have a goal to raise $10,000 by then to utilize as matching funds for the grant.
Investing in the Future
Our fundraising goal of $50,000 will help cover immediate upfront restoration costs while also creating a reserve for ongoing care and preservation.
Importantly, any funds raised beyond the amount needed for revitalization will be placed into a dedicated maintenance account earmarked specifically for the long-term upkeep of the house. This ensures that the investments made today will continue to benefit the community well into the future.
Join Us
This campaign is about more than restoring a building. It is about investing in community, preserving a shared space, and creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and belonging.
We invite you to be part of this effort. Together, we can ensure that the Emily Kimbrough Museum remains a vibrant gathering place for neighbors, artists, readers, writers, and community members for generations to come.
Thank you for your support!
Donations can be made here: https://muncie-ecna.org/capital-campaign/
