In Carbondale, Illinois stands a testament to ingenuity and sustainability: the Fuller Dome Home. This geodesic structure is an architectural marvel and the embodiment of R. Buckminster Fuller’s revolutionary vision for “omni-successful education and a sustenance of all humanity.” The R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-For-Profit (RBF Dome NFP) is the guardian of this legacy, ensuring that Fuller’s principles echo “For Good, Forever, For Southern Illinois.”

Founded on July 16, 2002, by local volunteers passionate about preserving history, the RBF Dome NFP has been a pillar in “Building a Better Community.” Their mission: to restore, maintain, and promote Fuller’s Carbondale Dome Home, developing it into a museum and an educational hub that encapsulates Fuller’s groundbreaking ideas.

The Fuller Dome Home, a historic landmark, was Fuller’s only residence while he taught at Southern Illinois University between 1960 and 1971. In 2004, the Carbondale City Council recognized the Fuller Dome Home as the first home in Carbondale to receive museum status, an essential step towards achieving national historic landmark status. The same year, the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois deemed it the “most endangered” historical structure in the state, prompting immediate action for its preservation.

The home’s historical significance was further cemented when it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in February 2006. This was a pivotal moment for the Fuller Dome, which Bill Perk, Fuller’s colleague and the home’s owner, had donated to the RBF Dome NFP in 2002. This generosity spurred the commencement of the Fuller Dome Home Museum, a legal entity dedicated to preserving and disseminating Fuller’s work.

Embracing Fuller’s dedication to sustainability, RBF Dome NFP is collaborating with Mighty Buildings to create a 3-D printed Visitor’s Center adjacent to the Dome Home. This initiative will showcase Fuller’s influence on sustainable practices, as Mighty Buildings uses 60% recycled materials and generates 99% less waste compared to traditional construction methods.

The campaign for the new Visitor’s Center marks a milestone in the mission to keep the Dome Home a beacon for Fuller’s enduring message. Admirers of Fuller’s legacy have been inspired by the groundbreaking event to contribute to the cause, ensuring that the message of sustainability and innovation continues to resonate.

Bucky and Anne Fuller’s residence in the Dome from 1960 to 1971 was a period of prolific output for Fuller. His influence during this era was monumental, evidenced by his Time magazine cover appearance, Nobel Peace Prize nomination, and a multitude of patents and honorary doctorates.

The Fuller Dome Home is a beacon of Southern Illinois, a cultural and intellectual treasure that stands as a reminder of the synergistic power of cooperative action. It is a symbol of hope, a physical embodiment of the principle that through unity, we can achieve greater things than we can alone.

As WSIL champions the #GiveSI initiative, we invite you to join in preserving this unique piece of history. Your donation to the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-For-Profit supports the continuation of Fuller’s legacy, ensuring the Dome Home remains a place of inspiration for generations to come.

To donate, please visit GiveSI.org and choose The R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-For-Profit as your charity of choice.

Let’s keep Bucky Fuller’s spirit alive “For Good, Forever, For Southern Illinois,” ensuring that his Dome Home continues to inspire and educate, reflecting our commitment to “Building a Better Community.”