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
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
We invite you to join the only statewide nonprofit organization for historic preservation in Iowa. By becoming a member, you help Preservation Iowa support education, preservation, and advocacy work across the state! It's easy to join! Membership information is at www.preservationiowa.org and click on Become a Member in the upper right-hand corner. If you prefer to join by mail, you can also print out the membership form.
The round for Country School Grants is now open! For more information, go to https://history.iowa.gov/resources/grants/historical-resource-development-program
Webinar sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Leadership Forum Feb 25, 2026 01:00 PM (Central time) Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation for a briefing on the federal legislative priorities shaping historic preservation in 2026. The webinar will outline the core policy and funding issues that will define the preservation agenda in Washington and set the direction for advocacy efforts in 2026 and beyond. Led by the National Trust’s Government Relations Team, along with members from across the preservation community, this webinar will examine how we can: Support the Historic Preservation Fund Defend the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 process Strengthen the Historic Tax Credit Protect historic places and cultural landscapes Participants will gain insights into congressional dynamics, emerging policy challenges, and how our unified preservation approach can advance meaningful legislative outcomes in the year ahead. We will also highlight key preservation advocacy opportunities throughout the year, along with how to stay involved and effective as priorities advance. To register for this free webinar, go to:
