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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

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.

Visit the National Park Service database.
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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.

View our calendar
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June 5-7, 2025

Preserve Iowa Summit

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.

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Upcoming Events

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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.