DES MOINES – From the Wild Historic District in Cedar Falls to the Chautauqua Park Historic District in Sac City, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs has awarded $90,110 for projects and scholarships that preserve and promote Iowa history.

The awards are funded through the department's Certified Local Government program, which encourages governmental partnerships, provides training and technical assistance, and supports preservation of historic resources at the local level. Iowa’s Certified Local Government program is one of the largest of its kind in the nation and is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service. The program was established as an amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act in 1980.

The list of Certified Local Government grant awards announced today follows:

Cedar Falls Nomination of the Wild Historic District $5,000 This grant will be used to nominate to the National Register of Historic Places the Wild Historic District, the first residential district in Cedar Falls. This district is associated with Daniel Wild who was an early settler and brick maker in Cedar Falls. 

Iowa City Conservation Plan for the Summit Street Monument $3,500 Iowa City will hire a consultant to prepare a conservation plan for Iowa City’s 1839 town plat survey marker. The stone marker, in the shape of an obelisk, has deteriorated and the consultant will make recommendations for its preservation. 

Iowa City Intensive Level Survey of 2040 Waterfront Drive $3,000 The project will document the significance of one of Iowa City’s earliest houses, which is believed to be the original farmhouse belonging to Cyrus Sanders, the first county surveyor elected in 1838.

Iowa City Nomination of the Iowa City Southside Historic District $6,000 This grant will fund the nomination to the National Register of Historic Places of a small district located near the 1898 Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Depot. The nomination will encourage the preservation of buildings that are threatened by redevelopment.

Lisbon Nomination of Lisbon Main Street $12,095 Lisbon will nominate to the National Register of Historic Places its downtown area, which is associated with the town’s commercial history, the Lincoln Highway and railroad development. 

Mount Vernon Nomination of Historic Brick Houses $12,000 Mount Vernon will nominate to the National Register of Historic Places 12 brick houses that represent the architectural significance of the Military Road and railroad, early settlement and the development of the community in the 19th century. 

Newton 2019 Preserve Iowa Summit $12,500 The city of Newton, in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office, will host the 2019 Preserve Iowa Summit during which the city’s preservation success and challenges will be showcased. The summit will include breakout sessions, tours, an awards ceremony and exhibit hall. 

Sac City Chautauqua Park Historic District Rehabilitation Plan $15,000 Sac City will hire a historic architect to develop a rehabilitation plan for the Chautauqua Pavilion and Metcalf Log Cabin. 

Waterloo Intensive Survey of the Smokey Row Neighborhood $10,000 Waterloo will hire a consultant to conduct a survey of Smokey Row, which became a prominent African-American neighborhood in the early 20th century. 

Scholarships to FORUM 2018 Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Harrison County, Madison County, Manning, McGregor and Waverly Grant amounts ranging from $850 to $3,000 will allow more than 29 historic preservation commission members and their staff to attend FORUM 2018 in Des Moines in July. FORUM 2018 is presented by the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. FORUM will include educational sessions and discussion panels, mobile workshops and tours, networking opportunities for staff and volunteers representing local, state and national organizations and government agencies.