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
Congratulations Amie Herrick! Amie has been awarded a National Trust for Historic Preservation Diversity in Preservation Scholarship! https://www.mississippivalleypublishing.com/the_hawk_eye/bit-by-the-preservation-bug/article_3e95378a-be85-42e7-874a-a3a7773c92a4.html #mellingerlibrary
Built to Last: Historic Restoration Series Do you own a historic home or simply love preserving Des Moines history? Join us for the first session of our Built to Last Historic Restoration Series and learn the art of restoring original wood windows from professionals who do it every day. Hear from: 🔹 Josh Harper, Clean Slate Builds 🔹 Erica Simbro, Knox Plat Windows 📅 July 26, 2026 ⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E 5th Street Whether you're tackling a restoration project or just curious about historic preservation, this hands-on educational session will provide practical tips, expert insight, and inspiration to help preserve the character of historic buildings for generations to come.
This is a great opportunity to learn about Iowa and the Meskwaki Nation. Sunday, June 28, 2-4pm, at the Meskwaki Tribal Center Gym in Tama.
Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Brent Leggs will be its next president. Those of you who attended the Preserve Iowa Summit in Mt. Pleasant in 2025 will remember that Leggs gave the keynote address. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/arts/design/the-national-trust-new-president-brent-leggs.html?unlocked_article_code=1.sFA.xCnl.MuzUy_YGfhwV&smid=url-share Here's a video message from Leggs about the importance of our work as preservationists and his vision for the National Trust https://support.savingplaces.org/s/5659670/4xSjmNlq
Des Moines Most Endangered Announced
