Molly Myers Naumann (1942-2025) had a significant impact on historic preservation for over 50 years through her work within multiple aspects of the field from her survey and nomination projects involving historic buildings in communities across Iowa, to her Architecture in the School residencies and workshops to teach all ages about historic architecture, to her volunteer work with Main Street Ottumwa and the Ottumwa Historic Preservation Commission, and to her personal rehabilitation of historic buildings in Ottumwa.
Molly Myers Naumann, Ottumwa
2025 Preservation at Its Best: Martha Hayes Preservationist of the Year Award
Preservation Iowa's two most visible programs are Iowa’s Most Endangered and Preservation at Its Best. These two programs work well together because being listed as Most Endangered often leads to awareness, a preservation effort, and a high-quality, award-winning project.
