As 2018 comes to a close, Preservation Iowa wants to thank all its members for a great year and to reflect upon our shared successes.
Preservation Iowa sent board members to Le Mars to teach Preservation 101 classes and to Des Moines and Washington, DC to advocate for preservation-friendly policy. PI was a sponsor for the National Alliance of Preservation Councils’ National Conference in Des Moines and the upcoming Celebrate Iowa Gala, too. We supported the Country School Preservation Conference in Madison County and issued mini-grants for one-room school preservation. Preservation at Its Best awards this year were held at the Downtown Conference in Waterloo and this year we partnered with Iowa Economic Development Authority. Iowa’s Most Endangered continued to illuminate preservation needs across the state. We have many more achievements and none would be been possible without the generosity of our members, our board, and our advisors.
In 2018 Iowans elected two new US House Representatives–Abby Finkenauer (IA 1st) and Cindy Axne (IA 3rd)–and elected Kim Reynolds to be our governor. Please take time to congratulate these women and then remind them that you care about historic preservation because preservation is good for Iowa.
At our annual meeting in Des Moines this year, Bruce Perry was elected to serve as Preservation Iowa’s next President. Bruce’s very successful hands-on experience in his home town of Sac City will bring a new dimension to Preservation Iowa. Like many small towns in Iowa, it is shrinking; however, unlike many small towns it is getting better as at shrinks. Preservation has been a key driver in what’s being called “Shrink Smart.”
Finally, please consider making a year-end donation to Preservation Iowa. We rely upon your financial contributions to build partnerships that enhance our economic and cultural future through the preservation of Iowa’s historic resources.
Tax-deductible donations help promote preservation of Iowa’s architectural treasures. When applying for grant or advocating to legislators, a large number of supporters is an important consideration. As a state-wide organization, Preservation Iowa is able to advocate for preservation, present educational programs about the economic importance of preserving our past, maintain a directory of those who specialize in preservation, and serve as a resource for those seeking information about preservation activities.
To donate, visit http://www.preservationiowa.org/about/become-a-member/ or mail your donation to
Preservation Iowa
PO Box 1842
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
