Breaking news! Keynote speakers for Preserve Iowa Summit announced! Growing Historic Trades Careers Through Iowa’s Apprenticeship System Register here: https://opportunityiowa.gov/events/preserve-iowa-summit-0 Remember Preservation Iowa members receive a $40 discount on registration! Be sure to RSVP for the Preservation Iowa reception Tuesday evening! Join Jordan Riggs from the Campaign for Historic Trades and Kolby Knupp from Iowa's Office of Apprenticeship as we explore how the registered apprenticeship program can support developing tradespeople in Iowa. Apprenticeships are among the oldest training systems in the world. Since the 1930s, the United States has overseen and managed apprenticeships through the Department of Labor. These Registered Apprenticeship Programs operate through collaborations between public and private partners, including federal, state, and local governments, employers, trainers, educational institutions, and non-profit service organizations. The Campaign for Historic Trades, a nationwide workforce development initiative to expand and strengthen careers in the high-demand field of historic trades, established landmark federal historic preservation apprenticeships with the Department of Labor in 2023. Apprenticeships are most successful when they are tailored to local and statewide realities and systems. This session will provide an overview of Iowa's Apprenticeship System, how you can utilize The Campaign's program, and explore how preservation efforts can leverage these effective, bipartisan programs. This session will conclude with the announcement of the recipients of the 2026 the State Historical Society of Iowa's Preservation Projects of Merit and Preservation Iowa's 2026 Preservation at its Best awards.

Main Street Iowa Celebrates 40 Years, Honors Communities and Leaders Award-Winning Projects, Volunteers and Downtown Initiatives Recognized Across the State [photo of The Centennial Block, Jefferson] May 7, 2026 (West Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Main Street Iowa celebrated its 40th anniversary this evening during the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards in West Des Moines, recognizing outstanding efforts to revitalize downtown districts across the state. Eighteen projects received Main Street Iowa Development Awards, while 45 recipients were recognized with leadership awards for their contributions to local Main Street programs. In addition, a longtime Main Street Iowa employee received the Spirit of Main Street Award. “Over the past 40 years, Main Street Iowa has grown into one of the strongest and most respected statewide Main Street programs in the country, and that success comes directly from the people doing the work in these communities,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “Local leaders, volunteers and business owners continue to invest in their downtowns and create places where people want to live, work and gather. Tonight’s award winners reflect the creativity, collaboration and commitment that continue to move Iowa communities forward.” Marion’s Central Plaza was named the recipient of the Signature Project Award, which recognizes projects demonstrating exceptional impact beyond traditional award categories. The project transformed a key block in Uptown Marion into a year-round gathering space featuring an ice-skating loop, live performance area, interactive water features, public art and flexible event amenities. The project was selected for its measurable impact on downtown vitality, multigenerational and community-driven design, and strong example of collaborative leadership and strategic investment. The Spirit of Main Street Award was presented to Susan Watson, whose nearly three decades with Main Street Iowa have helped shape and strengthen downtown revitalization efforts across the state. The award is not presented annually and carries no nominations or applications. Instead, it recognizes those whose contributions embody the spirit of the Main Street movement. Throughout her career, Watson has supported communities through grants, events, reporting systems and countless downtown projects behind the scenes. Known for her kindness, calm presence and steady leadership, she has been a trusted resource for Main Street directors across Iowa. “Celebrating Main Street Iowa’s 40th anniversary at the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards honored the legacy of those who first embraced the Main Street Approach™ while highlighting the successes of today,” said Carol Lilly, Main Street Iowa state coordinator. “The milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the program’s strong foundation while looking ahead to the future of downtown revitalization across the state. It also underscored the continued momentum of the Main Street movement and the shared commitment to building vibrant, resilient downtowns for generations to come.” 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Award winners: Albia — Housing (under 5,000 population): Geyer Place Apartments Albia — Special Event (under 5,000 population): Haunted History Hike, Albia Burlington — Business Support (over 5,000 population): Block Captain Program Burlington — Placemaking: Small-Scale Activity (over 5,000 population): Ali in the Alley Cedar Falls — Housing (over 5,000 population): 122–124 Main St. Chariton — Placemaking: Small-Scale Activity (under 5,000 population): Grand Lane Pocket Park Coon Rapids — Business Support (under 5,000 population): American Discovery Trail Town Coon Rapids — Façade Improvement (under $50,000): Four Twelve Main Corning — Business Recruitment (under 5,000 population): Adams Community Team Ignites Opportunities Now (ACTION) Indianola — Special Event (over 5,000 population): Downtown Dough Jefferson — Building Rehabilitation (under 5,000 population): The Centennial Block Jefferson — Special Event (under 5,000 population): Barbie by the Bells Mason City — Placemaking: Comprehensive Effort: River City Riverwalk Newton — Building Rehabilitation (over 5,000 population): Gray Moon Public Market Osceola — Façade Improvement (over $50,000): Kerr Dental Ottumwa — Business Recruitment (over 5,000 population): Vacant Building Window Clings West Des Moines — Special Event (over 5,000 population): Valley Junction Farmers Market and Music in the Junction Five communities were also recognized for reaching private investment milestones within their commercial districts: Albia — $3 million Avoca — $5 million Coon Rapids — $2 million Corning — $20 million Waverly — $50 million

Need project funding in your state? The National Trust has several grants currently open to help support your preservation projects. Applications are due June 1 for the following: - National Trust Preservation Funds (various states across the country) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by supporting on-going preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects. Grants range up to $5,000. - Bartus Trew Providence Preservation Fund are designed to encourage preservation at the local level by providing money for the acquisition, maintenance, and preservation of historic landmarks and memorials on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Grants range up to $25,000 - Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund provides funding to deserving organizations demonstrating commitment to the protection of natural and cultural resources in the Mid-Atlantic region. Grants range up to $7,500 Learn more: https://ow.ly/yWwX50YV8IF

The annual Midwest Modern mid-century home tour in Des Moines is Sunday, June 14! Tickets go on sale May 3rd at 9:00 AM, exclusively at iowamcm.com. Proceeds benefit the Iowa Architectural Foundation https://www.iowamcm.com/ #iowaarchitecture #iowaarchitects #IowaHistory

120-year-old Alumni House to be demolished following approval from BOR

http://www.northerniowan.com

120-year-old Alumni House to be demolished following approval from BOR

After years of deliberation, the Iowa Board of Regents has unanimously approved…

Head's Up! There's a new push to eliminate the State Historical Society of Iowa Iowa City Research Facility! Subcommittee meeting TODAY, at 3:00 pm. Submit comments and/or attend! https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2293 Submit comments here: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/meetingPublicComment?meetingID=42732&action=viewCommitteePublicComments Attend the meeting here: Virtual Meeting URL: https://ialegis.webex.com/ialegis/j.php?MTID=m91b51f0f5beb73fb2fa0135f775a1651 Call in number: 14084189388 Access code: 24929423900