• 407 S. Forest Ave., Carbondale, IL

A Historic Landmark

In 2004 the Carbondale City Council voted on the RBF Dome NPF to become the first home in Carbondale to receive museum status, a stepping stone to apply for national historic landmark status.

Later in 2004, the Dome Home was designated “most endangered” historical structure in the state of Illinois by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI).

With a starting fund of $5,000 from the LPCI, RBF Dome NFP retained local architecture firm of White and Borgognoni to do an assessment.x

Given its unique role in Bucky’s life, the Fuller Dome in Carbondale is possibly one of the most important Buckminster Fuller artifacts remaining in the world today!

Official Recognition

In February 2006, Fuller’s Dome Home was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

RBF Dome NFP

The RBF Dome Nonprofit was formed on July 16, 2002 by a small group of local volunteers who believed that the Fuller Dome Home in Carbondale, Illinois was an extremely important historic artifact which should be preserved for the appreciation and education of future generations.

Bill Perk Donation

In September 2002, SIUC Emeritus H.F.W. ‘Bill’ Perk, colleague of Buckminster Fuller and owner of the Fuller Dome Home, donated the property at 407 S. Forest Avenue to RBF Dome NFP. Shortly thereafter work began to make the RBF Dome Home Museum a legal reality.

Bill Perk - Founding Member. Bill was a colleague and friend of Bucky and purchased the Dome from its last owner, Mickey Mitchell.

Our Vision

The Fuller Dome is a project of RBF Dome NFP, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring Buckminster Fuller’s legacy. Our vision is to further Bucky’s work, principles, and commitment to addressing the world’s most basic needs by preserving his artifacts and providing programming in the spirit of Fuller’s hope for “omni-successful education and a sustenance of all humanity.”

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Team members having fun at the Dymaxion Days Event
Team members having fun at the Dymaxion Days Event
Ben Lowder with Allegra Fuller at Edwardsville Dome
Ben Lowder with Allegra Fuller at Edwardsville Dome
Bill Perk, Thad Heckman, and Ed Cook taking it all in - Look at what we've done!
Bill Perk, Thad Heckman, and Ed Cook taking it all in - Look at what we've done!
Brent Ritzel and Tootie Wesselmann
Brent Ritzel and Tootie Wesselmann
Saving Bucky's Home Fuller Dome Preservation Launch
Saving Bucky's Home Fuller Dome Preservation Launch
Cary O'Dell, John Shannon, Ed Cook
Cary O'Dell, John Shannon, Ed Cook
Elberta and Joe Clinton with Ed Cook, Board Member and Preservation Contractor
Elberta and Joe Clinton with Ed Cook, Board Member and Preservation Contractor
Elizabeth Donaghue
Elizabeth Donaghue
Jon Davey speaking at the Landmarks Illinois Presentation
Jon Davey speaking at the Landmarks Illinois Presentation
Team members having fun at the Dymaxion Days Event
Team members having fun at the Dymaxion Days Event
Michael (Mickey) Mitchell (left) standing next to Bucky and John Christy. Mickey bought the Dome from Fuller in 1973.
Michael (Mickey) Mitchell (left) standing next to Bucky and John Christy. Mickey bought the Dome from Fuller in 1973.
Phase Two completion signing!
Phase Two completion signing!
Thad Heckman Board Member and Preservation Architect
Thad Heckman Board Member and Preservation Architect
Architect of Record Thad Heckman's Field Notes
Architect of Record Thad Heckman's Field Notes
Thomas Zung at US Patent Office
Thomas Zung at US Patent Office

HOW

YOU CAN HELP

Right now there are two ways you can help support the completion of the restoration and continuing maintainance of the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home. We have an online store where 100% of the proceeds go to the restoration and maintainance of the Dome. You can donate directly with a PayPal Donation option. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and will help us keep this amazing treasure accessible to the public.

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