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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If you have preservation-related news or advocacy items to share, please reach out via email at info@preservationiowa.org or through our Connect & Contact Us page.
PRESERVATION NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STATE
Iowa's 250th festivities begin! Historic Hills Scenic Byway, in partnership with Iowa DOT, is holding several educational events this Sunday and Monday, including programs in Keosauqua, Bentonsport and Eldon.
Thank you to all the new and returning members - your financial support helps Preservation Iowa support education, preservation, and advocacy work across the state! If you haven't become a member yet, please consider joining during our January membership drive.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has drafted new administrative rules for the Historic Tax Credit program. Key proposed changes are as follows: * Integration of previous Department of Cultural Affairs administrative rules, reflecting the State Historic Preservation Office's transition to IEDA in 2023. * Clarification regarding eligibility of single-family dwelling units, addressing legislation approved during the 2025 legislative session. *Addition of provisions that allow tax credit awards to be spread over two fiscal years, in response to recent legislative changes. *Revision of fees associated with Part 2 and Part 3 applications. *Removal of language already covered under Iowa Code chapter 404A.
Join Preservation Leadership Forum for a panel discussion to learn how organizations can leverage GIS in historic preservation. Participants will learn about several case studies that highlight how GIS platforms can empower communities and preservation professionals to manage and visualize their unique histories. This webinar is intended as a space to connect, share insights, and foster collaboration and learning about geo-enabled storytelling and data sharing. No prior experience in GIS is necessary. Jan 28, 2026 01:00 PM (Central) Register for this webinar at: https://savingplaces-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/8817655621191/WN_ZVnIMkIqRYW6o3Og62XqxA#/registration
Preservation Iowa invites you to renew your membership (or join us for the first time!) to help support the act of preserving Iowa’s history, particularly the spaces and places that make Iowa a great place to live and explore. Membership in Preservation Iowa provides a connection to others who value and advocate for preservation of Iowa’s historic resources. Your membership supports many programs: • Partnership for the annual Preserve Iowa Summit providing educational opportunities and networking to learn from others working to share the value of our historic treasures. • Quarterly newsletters highlighting success stories, available grants and latest preservation efforts. • Preservation at its Best awards program to recognize significant projects and promote future preservation efforts. • Most Endangered Properties Program that shares the stories of historic treasures in critical need of love, attention and an advocate. • An educational website that offers a wealth of information helpful to preservationists, including a list of preservation consultants and contractors. • Advocacy efforts to protect and retain state and federal historic tax credits and promote legislation favorable for historic preservation. Go to www.preservationiowa.org and click on Become a Member in the upper right-hand corner. You can join using a credit card or print out a membership form and mail a check. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts!
See inside Iowa City's centennial building as archival library closes
Time is running out! This is a great opportunity to learn how to advocate for preservation in our nation's capital! If you are a student, young professional, or amidst a mid-career shift in the historic preservation field and you have specific interest in preservation policy or federal advocacy, apply now to become a 2026 Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholar! Selected participants will participate in policy briefings and trainings, join congressional office visits, and attend key networking events. The scholarship includes complimentary National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week registration and a travel stipend. https://preservationaction.org/advocacy-scholars/
Des Moines has been waiting for a very long time for the Ingersoll movie theater to be saved! Congratulations to VenuWorks/White Oak Realty, Estes Construction, AKAY Consulting, and Sequel Architecture!
"Two Generations—A Family Connection on the Iowa Interstate": A Webinar Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:00 PM U.S. Central Time (8 pm Eastern, 6 pm Mountain, and 5 pm Pacific) Father and son, Jeremy and Christian Schrader, make railroad photography a family affair. On January 13, they will share their photographic stories from the Iowa Interstate Railroad. Jeremy and his late father spent years chasing and photographing trains together, and now Jeremy is proud to see that same passion and tradition continuing with his son, Christian. Join us on Zoom to explore the art of rail photography with a father and son who prove that one train can inspire two completely different photographic approaches! To learn more and to register for this free event, go to: https://railphoto-art.org/ Photo caption and credit: An Iowa City evening with the eastbound CBBI (Council Bluffs to Blue Island) going by the Rock Island depot in the summer of 2024. Both Jeremy and Christian rely on electronic flashes for low-light photography. Photo by Christian Schrader.
State Historical Society officials announced an agreement Friday to maintain public access to Iowa’s historical collections at the University of Iowa.
