Building partnerships that enhance our economic and cultural future through the preservation of Iowa's historic resources.
The future of Iowa is sustainable communities with an authentic sense of place created by their important historic structures. The rehabilitation and reuse of our historic buildings is both economically attractive and environmentally responsible; it is important to citizens and visitors to our state as well as for future generations.
Iowa Programs
Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties
Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties began in 1995 to show Iowans the special buildings and historic sites that are slowly and gradually slipping away from us. The program provides an excellent resource for media coverage and introduces endangered property owners to preservation advocates and resources that can help preserve their historic property.
Preservation at Its Best Awards
Each year Preservation Iowa seeks to honor statewide successes through the “Preservation at its Best Awards”. In doing so, we hope to inspire others to take action to preserve, protect, and promote Iowa’s historic resources. Additionally these projects highlight the work being done around the state to preserve our historic infrastructures by re-purposing them to allow reintegration into their local communities.
Property Types
Preservation Iowa focuses on providing information, raising awareness and protecting property types that hold special significance for Iowans.
Its efforts encompass a wide range of historic resources, including residential buildings, commercial and industrial structures, sacred places, schools, and movie theaters, as well as rural properties such as farmsteads and barns.
Residential
Movie Theaters
Sacred Places
Commercial & Industrial
Schools
Farmsteads & Barns
Preservation News From Across The State
It's Women History Month! The Monuments Toolkit at World Heritage USA is hosting Women as Stewards of Heritage Webinar In honor of Women's History Month, the Monuments Toolkit at World Heritage USA is hosting Women as Stewards of Heritage, a webinar on Thursday, March 19 at 2 PM Eastern / 1 PM Central / 11 AM Pacific. Moderated by Program Director Diana Hernandez, we are honored to be joined by Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Eastville Community Historical Society; Izel Lopez, Deputy Director of the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project; and Sehila Mota Casper, Executive Director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation. Together, these three visionaries are expanding the very definition of heritage, centering the knowledge, leadership, and living memory of African American, Indigenous, and Laitne women in the work of historic preservation today. Register here: https://usicomos.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/usicomos/eventRegistration.jsp?event=224&
Hart Family Fund for Small Towns: Guidelines & Eligibility Grants from the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects in small towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for particular projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector. Grants from the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. The selection process is very competitive. Deadline is May 1, 2026. More information here: https://savingplaces.org/hart-family-fund?utm_medium=email&utm_source=update&utm_campaign=grants
Less than a month away to nominate your project or favorite preservationist for a Preservation at Its Best Award! Nominations are due April 1, 2026. The Preservation at Its Best Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in historic preservation across Iowa. Each year, Preservation Iowa recognizes individuals, organizations, projects, and communities whose work demonstrates outstanding commitment to historic preservation. By honoring these achievements, the organization aims to inspire others to take meaningful action to protect, restore, and promote Iowa’s historic resources, fostering a broader culture of preservation throughout the state. Award-winning preservation projects often do more than celebrate preserved historic buildings – they demonstrate how these resources can be thoughtfully repurposed and reintegrated into their communities. By revitalizing housing, supporting local businesses, and drawing people back to downtowns and neighborhoods, these projects boost local economies while fostering community pride. They also inspire further preservation efforts, ensuring that Iowa’s rich heritage remains a vibrant and accessible part of everyday life. Award recipients are announced in June, at the statewide Preserve Iowa Summit in Ankeny, providing a high-profile platform to recognize exemplary preservation work and inspire others to engage in preservation efforts. By submitting a nomination, you help shine a spotlight on important preservation work in Iowa, celebrating the dedication, creativity, and impact of those who protect and revitalize the state’s historic resources. Information about how to nominate is at: https://preservationiowa.org/programs/preservation-at-its-best-awards/ #iowaaia #friendsofhistoricpreservation #savecrheritage
Another National Register listing for Iowa! This time the property is in Storm Lake! Congratulations to the owners of the Lewis "Lew" J. Metcalf Residence whose property was listed for its architectural significance. This house, built in 1901, is an intact example of the Queen Anne style of architecture, popular in Iowa and throughout the country. The house has gambrel roofs, a porch, carriage port, and an unusual foundation made of granite. The Metcalf Residence was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 2026. #stormlakeiowa #stormlakeia
Today, we feature the Masonic Temple in Walnut, Iowa recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. Built in 1911, this Classical Revival building incorporates principles and details associated with the Freemasons. The second floor lodge room has a dais for the master of the lodge and a pressed metal ceiling that includes the Masonic square, compass, and letter 'G." In the center of the lodge room ceiling is an unusual (and original) lighting fixture encircled with incandescent bulbs. The building is owned by the Walnut Creek Historical Society which operates it as a museum. The Masonic Temple of Walnut was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 2026. Congratulations! #mainstreetwalnutcreek #walnutcreekhistoricalsociety #iowamasonry #iowamasoniclibraryandmuseum #iowamasons
