Los Alamos Historical Society Announces Oppenheimer House Fundraising

Published on May 15, 2025

The Los Alamos Historical Society (LAHS) is pleased to announce the launch of a major fundraising campaign partnership with Enterprise Bank & Trust in support of the historic Oppenheimer House restoration project. Set to begin this fall, the campaign will provide support for the final phase of development, renovations and integration of the historic home of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Manhattan Project’s scientific director, into the Los Alamos History Museum’s campus.

Located in the heart of historic Los Alamos, the Oppenheimer House is a landmark of international significance and stands as a testament to a pivotal moment in world history.

The fundraising campaign will support both the physical restoration of the property and museum interpretation including the creation of compelling exhibits and programming designed to connect visitors with the stories of the people who lived and worked at the site. As a primary partner, Enterprise will match donations up to $500,000 by contributing up to $125,000 annually for four years as the project progresses.

While the campaign officially starts in the fall, the matches are valid on contributions made throughout 2025. The first matching gift will be presented in January 2026.

"This partnership with Enterprise Bank & Trust marks an important milestone in our efforts to preserve and interpret the Oppenheimer House," said Todd Nickols, executive director of the Los Alamos Historical Society. "Due to the generosity of Enterprise and supporters, the Society will be able to transform this historic home into a powerful and immersive educational experience for visitors from around the world."

LAHS has worked on stabilization and preservation work at the site since 2020, and Phase One of the restoration project’s estimated $5 million renovation will take place this summer. Phase Two planning is also underway.

In addition to the current needs, LAHS also plans to build a $1 million preservation fund to assist with ongoing maintenance needs.

“We’re proud to be a long-standing partner of LAHS and to have the opportunity to provide financial support for this project that will showcase the significant landmark to our local community and visitors for years to come,” said Liddie Martinez, Community Bank President at Enterprise. “Enterprise’s matching contributions are a testament to the importance of this restoration and our steadfast commitment to investing in initiatives that make a direct impact in the local communities our bank serves.”

To contribute to the fundraising campaign, please visit the LAHS donation website.

About Los Alamos Historical Society
The Los Alamos Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the remarkable history of Los Alamos, New Mexico—a place globally recognized for its pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb and the Manhattan Project. Through stewardship of the Los Alamos History Museum, the historic Hans Bethe House, and soon the historic Oppenheimer House, the Society brings to life the stories of the Ancestral Pueblo people, homesteaders, the Los Alamos Ranch School, and the scientific achievements that reshaped the modern world. The Society offers a range of educational programs, lectures, publications, and community events designed to engage the public with the rich and layered history of this unique community.

As both a community resource and a destination for global visitors, the Los Alamos Historical Society partners with institutions such as The Bradbury Science Museum, the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and local schools to deepen historical understanding and encourage preservation. The Society’s archives and collections serve as a vital resource for researchers, educators, and authors, while its interpretive efforts ensure that past voices and experiences continue to inform the present.

About Enterprise Bank & Trust

Enterprise Bank & Trust is a growing financial services partner focused on guiding people to a lifetime of financial success. We empower privately held businesses to succeed, helping families to secure their financial futures, and invest to advance the quality of life for the communities we serve. Enterprise is built on trusted, personal relationships and offers a range of business and personal banking services, wealth management services and a variety of specialized banking services. Enterprise Financial Services Corp (NASDAQ: EFSC), with approximately $15.7 billion in assets, is a financial holding company headquartered in Clayton, Missouri. Enterprise Bank & Trust operates more than 40 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada and New Mexico, along with SBA loan production offices and deposit production offices throughout the country. Additional information is available at www.enterprisebank.com. Member FDIC.