Historic Preservation Commission presents 2025 report; supervisors approve 2026 work plan
January 26, 2026 | Muscatine County, Iowa
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Chris Brace, Muscatine County Historic Preservation Commissioner, briefed the Board of Supervisors on the commission’s 2025 activities and priorities for 2026 on Jan. 26. Brace recounted the commission’s history (established 2011, certified local government status in 2014), past studies (including transportation, schools and churches) and outreach efforts such as booths at county events and a visible historical-signage program that includes QR codes. Brace said the county deployed 256 historical signs last year and that the county tech team recorded 2,437 QR-code clicks as an early measure of public engagement.
Brace described grant efforts (including a state bridal heritage grant program with awards generally between $75,000 and $150,000 and a required 30% local cash match) and ongoing projects such as Fairport Fish Hatchery archaeology and continued work on county schools and historic transportation signage. He also outlined an Underground Railroad countywide survey conducted with the City of Muscatine that identified eight potential National Register of Historic Places locations; the commission said it has begun application work and spoken with the National Park Service regional manager about submission timing.
After the presentation, a supervisor moved to authorize the chair to sign the State Historic Preservation Office certified local government (CLG) 2025 annual report; the board approved the motion on voice vote. Supervisors also voted to accept the commission’s 2026 work plan, which Brace said was largely a continuation of 2025 priorities. Brace thanked past commissioners and staff for assistance and said the commission will continue outreach and grant-seeking work in 2026.
The board recorded no opposition to either action and moved on to subsequent agenda items.
Brace described grant efforts (including a state bridal heritage grant program with awards generally between $75,000 and $150,000 and a required 30% local cash match) and ongoing projects such as Fairport Fish Hatchery archaeology and continued work on county schools and historic transportation signage. He also outlined an Underground Railroad countywide survey conducted with the City of Muscatine that identified eight potential National Register of Historic Places locations; the commission said it has begun application work and spoken with the National Park Service regional manager about submission timing.
After the presentation, a supervisor moved to authorize the chair to sign the State Historic Preservation Office certified local government (CLG) 2025 annual report; the board approved the motion on voice vote. Supervisors also voted to accept the commission’s 2026 work plan, which Brace said was largely a continuation of 2025 priorities. Brace thanked past commissioners and staff for assistance and said the commission will continue outreach and grant-seeking work in 2026.
The board recorded no opposition to either action and moved on to subsequent agenda items.
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