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
Iowa can boast of another National Register listed property! The most recent Iowa property to be listed on the National Register is the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Clayton County. The church is locally significant under Criteria C as the village of Girard’s only high-style architectural edifice as well as the only church in town. Built in 1902, the building is influenced by the Gothic Revival style most evident in the pointed-arch stained-glass windows and its original towers that emphasize the vertical line. This design choice was likely dictated by the overall popularity of the style for civic, institutional, and residential buildings, though that popularity was fading for domestic architecture by 1902. No architect is known but construction is credited to a local builder, William Fuelling, probably assisted by townsfolk and Methodist congregants. Larger Gothic Revival-styled churches can be found six or seven miles to the east in McGregor on the Mississippi River. The German Methodist Episcopal Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 19, 2026. Congratulations! #McGregor HIstoric Preservation Commission #Clayton County Historic Preservation Commission #Clayton County Historical Society #Clayton County, Iowa
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
