![People dining on a bridge](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_1440px_x_604px/public/images/2025-01/Czech%20Village%20New%20Bohemia%20Cultural%20and%20Entertainment%20District_%2016th%20Avenue%20Bridge_Dinner%20on%20the%20Bridge_Photo%20Credit%20Ed%20Kempf%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=SZn4q93N)
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
SHPO identifies, preserves and protects Iowa’s historic and prehistoric resources and historic properties and also administers historic preservation programs.
Explore Historic Preservation in Iowa
-
Certified Local Government Grant Program
Open to Iowa cities, counties and land use districts who have signed an agreement with the State of Iowa and NPS.
-
E-SHPO
Log into the SHPO portal for tax credit submissions, or request access.
-
Historic Places & Landmarks
Learn about the National Register of Historic Places & Landmarks, including evaluation and how to nominate a site.
-
Historic Preservation Planning & Programs
Planning and funding resources to help preserve Iowa’s historic places.
-
Historic Tax Credits
Explore state and federal tax incentives for preserving historic sites and property in Iowa.
Whether you are interested in archaeology, preserving a historic building, researching a historic property, getting a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places or developing a historic preservation program, the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa can help you achieve your goals.
National Register of Historic Places
Iowa has more than 2,000 nominations listed on the National Register of Historic Places, totaling more than 15,000 individual buildings, structures, sites and objects.
![Red Covered Bridge](/sites/default/files/styles/graphic_promo_image/public/images/2024-12/24o_Roseman-Bridge_Winterset_1jlee_-large.jpg.webp?itok=QAZ6lblz)
Education and Outreach
The SHPO provides education to Iowans across the state, including the annual Preserve Iowa Summit, workshops, webinars, and technical assistance regarding architectural preservation and history.
![People sitting together at a table](/sites/default/files/styles/graphic_promo_image/public/images/2024-12/Preserve%20Iowa%20Summit%202016%20Credit%20%20Sara%20Andre.jpg.webp?itok=8TfXOhec)
2025 Preserve Iowa Summit June 5-7 in Muscatine
The Preserve Iowa Summit is the state's premier conference for professionals and volunteers involved in historic preservation in Iowa. The 2025 event will highlight Muscatine's historic preservation.
Upcoming Events
![Icon of a contact card](/sites/default/files/styles/promo_image_528x384/public/images/2024-12/AddressCard.jpg.webp?itok=CSHj0DaU)
State Historic Preservation Office
The activities that are the subject of the State Historic Preservation Office portion of this website have been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior.
The State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in its federally assisted programs.
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.