MUSCATINE, Iowa – Professionals and volunteers alike involved in historic preservation efforts across Iowa are encouraged to attend a three-day Preserve Iowa Summit workshop next month in this Mississippi River city.
The summit is from Thursday, June 5, through Saturday, June 7, at the historic Merrill Hotel in downtown Muscatine. Registration, which costs $200, will close on June 5.
The summit is a coordinated effort of the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) State Historic Preservation Office, the City of Muscatine, the Muscatine Historic Preservation Commission and the Muscatine County Historic Preservation Commission.
“Preserving our history isn’t just about looking back — it’s one of the smartest things we can do to move our communities forward,” State Historic Preservation Officer Heather Gibb told the QCBJ.
Organizers expect nearly 300 people to attend. The event has a full lineup of speakers discussing a number of topics and programs related to historic preservation.
The conference is for historic property owners; preservation commissions; students in historic preservation, planning, interior design and architecture; Main Street staff and boards; preservation professionals and consultants; and architects, developers and planning professionals. Government leaders, community leaders and civic organizations also are urged to attend.
“The Preserve Iowa Summit brings people together to swap ideas, share inspiration and celebrate success stories,” Ms. Gibb added. “It shows how giving new life to significant places can boost economies and build local pride — while laying the groundwork for an even stronger future.”
Get taste of history
For a full schedule and to register for Preserve Iowa, visit here.
The host city, once a busy river port, will give attendees a taste of its history. That includes tours of some of its own preservation success stories. Among them are: the Laura Musser Museum/Muscatine Art Center, the Old Barn, the former McKee Button Company and the 1908 Musser Mansion with the contemporary Stanley Gallery and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security.
Participants also will have the chance to learn about Muscatine’s place in the state’s pearl button history. And they learn about the importance of mussel conservation at the nearby Fairport Fish Hatchery during a visit to its new Education Center.
Funding for the Preserve Iowa Summit is through federal funds from the National Park Service and U.S. Department of the Interior.
The three-day program kicks off Thursday with an awards ceremony recognizing the Preservation Projects of Merit. It wraps up Saturday with a round of sessions designed for Iowans who work or volunteer for historic preservation commissions.
Sponsors include: RDG Planning and Design and Tallgrass Archaeology, historic sponsors; and the local sponsors: Guadalajara Restaurant, Klinger & Associates, National Pearl Button Museum; and Port City Underground.
