News
Stay informed and engaged with Preservation Iowa’s latest news, events, and initiatives dedicated to preserving the state’s historic places and promoting community revitalization. From advocacy efforts that shape state and local policies to innovative programs supporting historic preservation and economic development, Preservation Iowa is committed to making Iowa’s history a vibrant part of its future.
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PRESERVATION NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STATE
One of the great benefits of Preservation Iowa's professional memberships is listing in our Business Directory. This listing helps Iowa property owners find contractors and consultants who are the right fit for their project. Preservation Iowa's business directory includes architects, historians, masonry contractors, structural engineers, window contractors, and more who are ready to help you with your project. Check it out on our resources page at: https://preservationiowa.org/resources/directory/ If you are a preservation professional and would like to join our directory, check out our membership opportunities at www.preservationiowa.org
National History Day in Iowa is looking for volunteer judges at locations across the state. To serve as a judge you only need an interest in history--no expertise is required! History Day provides students with the opportunity to showcase their work and receive feedback on their projects from judges in their local communities across nine regional contests. This program is a lot of fun and will show you that despite what you hear, youth ARE in interested in history! To learn more about being a judge at a location near you, visit
Sharing this message from the National Trust for Historic Preservation: The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has opened the public comment period on the East Wing Modernization Project, including the proposed construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition to the White House complex. Written comments are due March 4, 2026 at Noon ET. The White House is a National Historic Landmark and National Park, owned by the American people and stewarded by the National Park Service. It has been home to our presidents since 1800 and is perhaps the most significant historic site in the United States. Before nationally significant places are permanently altered, the public deserves an opportunity to be heard and to help shape decisions that affect our shared national heritage. This is a legally required federal review process, and public participation is essential. Major construction projects in Washington, D.C. must be reviewed by the NCPC and the Commission of Fine Arts, comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and receive congressional approval. These safeguards exist to ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful public input. Written comments are due March 4 at Noon ET. Commissioners need to hear directly from the public. Submit your comments here: https://www.ncpc.gov/participate/guidelines/
❤A little National Register of Historic Places humor for you all. Happy Valentine's Day to Iowa's preservationists! ❤
Need financial help for your historic property, museum or archives? Check out this opportunity! For more information, go to https://history.iowa.gov/resources/grants/historical-resource-development-program
We invite you to join the only statewide nonprofit organization for historic preservation in Iowa. By becoming a member, you help Preservation Iowa support education, preservation, and advocacy work across the state! It's easy to join! Membership information is at www.preservationiowa.org and click on Become a Member in the upper right-hand corner. If you prefer to join by mail, you can also print out the membership form.
The round for Country School Grants is now open! For more information, go to https://history.iowa.gov/resources/grants/historical-resource-development-program
Webinar sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Leadership Forum Feb 25, 2026 01:00 PM (Central time) Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation for a briefing on the federal legislative priorities shaping historic preservation in 2026. The webinar will outline the core policy and funding issues that will define the preservation agenda in Washington and set the direction for advocacy efforts in 2026 and beyond. Led by the National Trust’s Government Relations Team, along with members from across the preservation community, this webinar will examine how we can: Support the Historic Preservation Fund Defend the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 process Strengthen the Historic Tax Credit Protect historic places and cultural landscapes Participants will gain insights into congressional dynamics, emerging policy challenges, and how our unified preservation approach can advance meaningful legislative outcomes in the year ahead. We will also highlight key preservation advocacy opportunities throughout the year, along with how to stay involved and effective as priorities advance. To register for this free webinar, go to:
Congratulations to the Historical Society of Marshall County for the recent National Register listing of the Frederick and Mary Grumme House in Marshalltown! The Grumme House is significant as a well-preserved example of Late Victorian domestic architecture. With its brick exterior, three-story tower with mansard roof, tall, paired windows and elaborate cornice and brackets, this house combines elements of both the Italianate and Second Empire styles. The house was designed by local architect Homer Hall and constructed in 1877 for Frederick Grumme and his wife Mary Lindstrum Grumme. The house, also known as the Mowry-Irvine Mansion, is owned by the Historical Society of Marshall County which operates it as a historic house museum and research facility. This Grumme House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 6, 2026. #historicalsocietyofmarshallcounty #marshalltowniowa
Check out one of the most recent additions to the National Register! The Henry and Elizabeth Guenther House in Wheatland (Clinton County) is a distinctive example of the Queen Anne style in Wheatland, Iowa and was nominated for local significance under Criterion C. It was built in 1912, by Henry Guenther, a local banker. The Free Classic Queen Anne dwelling is two-and-a-half stories tall and dominantly front-gabled. The house has a cross gable on its east side and a gabled dormer on its west side. It is covered with an asphalt shingle roof and original wood siding. It sits on a rusticated concrete block foundation. The fenestration is mostly original, wood, sash windows, some of which have decorative, leaded upper sashes. Inside, the house retains much of its original oak woodwork, including banisters, a set of pocket doors connecting the sitting room and the dining room, baseboards, cabinetry in the butler pantry, and other features. A few interior fixtures have been replaced. A defining feature of the first floor is the elaborate main stairwell that can be accessed from the parlor and the kitchen. A 2003 addition is present on the south (rear) side of the house, which includes a greenhouse. This property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 6, 2026. Congratulations!
For Iowans interested in preserving historic places for music, here's an interesting free webinar. Wednesday, February 25 at 1 p.m. Central Preserve the Past, Build for the Future series, “Preserving America’s Historic Music Venues.” The 75-minute free webinar will feature three panelists who will examine why safeguarding historic music venues is essential to ensuring that future generations can connect with the roots of America’s musical legacy. In this webinar, we will explore the history of these iconic venues, preservation efforts underway to protect them, and the role they continue to play in fostering cultural identity and community pride. The session will include a Q&A portion, so get ready for a lively discussion! Register here (link fixed!): https://www.achp.gov/preservethepastbuildforthefuture
The Orient-Macksburg School District announced it was closing its doors at the end of last school year, but now it’s facing the challenging decisions of what to do with its buildings and grounds.
