Meet Bruce Chadbourne: The Man Who Brings Alden Villa’s history to Life

If you've ever toured Alden Villa and found yourself completely captivated by a story about the Coleman family, the Lebanon Valley, or the rich Alden Villa history behind this architectural gem—you’ve probably met Bruce Chadbourne.

Bruce is one of those rare people who seems to know something about everything, and just as rare, he remembers it all with uncanny precision. Since we first opened Alden Villa to the public, Bruce has been a steady presence, welcoming guests at our open houses and even offering private tours to friends of the team. But calling him a “docent” hardly covers it. He’s a historian, a storyteller, and a true friend to Alden Villa.

Bruce and his wife Linda

Bruce first began volunteering across the street at the Cornwall Iron Furnace, and it’s clear that his love of local history runs deep. He doesn’t just share facts—he breathes life into them. His knowledge of the Coleman family (the original owners of Alden Villa and the Iron Furnace) is so comprehensive that he now writes regularly about them for LebTown. When Bruce leads a tour, you get more than dates and names—you get the feeling that you’re walking in the footsteps of history.

His style is conversational but sharp. Warm, but packed with substance. It’s no surprise that people walk away from his tours saying, “I never knew how interesting this place was until now.” He has a gift for making connections—between people, time periods, and even seemingly unrelated facts—and turning them into memorable moments for visitors.

While Bruce’s wife Linda isn’t directly involved with Alden Villa, their shared spirit of service is inspiring. Both are active in the Lebanon Rescue Mission as well as hospice ministry, offering comfort and connection when it’s needed most. (And if you ask him about her, prepare to hear about her incredible work as a Certified Music Practitioner—just another reminder of how talented this couple is.)

Photography by Amy Wolfe

We’re thrilled that Bruce will be joining us again as a tour guide for Canvas for a Cause, our summer paint & sip charity night on Wednesday, July 16. Before guests lift a paintbrush, they’ll be treated to a short guided tour of Alden Villa’s most stunning architectural features—stained glass included—which inspired the custom painting for the evening.

Bruce knows those windows like old friends. And after hearing him talk about them, you might feel like you do, too. His stories help us see the beauty in the details. Join us for Canvas for a Cause, where history meets creativity in a night dedicated to art, community, and the magic of Alden Villa.