Take Action!
Too often, members of a community feel helpless when historic resources of local, state, and national significance are threatened. The Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance wants to give you the voice and support you need to save these historic places. In recent years, we have found that the best way to save endangered historic places is to make people with the power to preserve them understand what makes the resource signifant. The Rath Administration building in Waterloo, the Williges Building in Sioux City, the Wetherby Cottage in Iowa City, and the Henshie-Briggs Row House in Des Moines all have a chance for new life because passionate preservationists voiced their concern against demolition. We believe it's time for members of the state to join together to preserve historic buildings and sites. Together, we can save Iowa's past for future generations.
Send us information on resources that need Iowans to Take Action!
Let us know about historic places in your area that need additional voices calling for preservation. Also let us know how Iowans can help encourage preservation-friendly local or statewide policies. Together, we can make a difference across the state!
Send an email to TakeAction@iowapreservation.org describing how IHPA members can help you Take Action! in your community. Please include the name of the endangered resource and specific actions that can be taken. If you would like letters sent to specific public officials, be sure to include their name, title, and address. Send a digital photograph if possible. We'll post your calls for help here and keep IHPA members updated on the results in future issues of The Iowa Preservationist.
Take Action! NOW
Iowa barn-owners need your help!
The Iowa Senate Agriculture Committee is working to pass Senate File (SF) 2075, which expands the rehabilitated barn property tax exemption from 1936 to 50 years of age as the qualification date. This successful program has had unintended limitations due to the exclusion of barns built after 1936. With the newly expanded criteria we will hopefully see more barns rehabilitated on our Iowa landscape.
What you can do: e-mail your Iowa Senator to encourage them to support the passage of SF 2075!
Find your representative: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg/
Track the legislation: SF 2075
Tomb of the Unknown needs your help
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is working to help save the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. Officials want to replace the original monument with a replica without determining first whether the original can be repaired. The 1932 monument is nationally significant and irreplaceable in the hearts and minds of many.
What you can do: Voice your concern by Taking Action! now.