Each state historic preservation program (in Iowa, the State Historic Preservation Office in the Department of Cultural Affairs) is required to maintain a state review board.  I have served as a member of the State Nominations Review Committee since 2017, meeting quarterly to

• Review National Register nominations and advise the SHPO on forwarding them to the National Park Service.
• Advise on Certified Local Government (CLG) grant applications to historic preservation projects
• Advise on Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP) grant applications, and
• “Other duties as assigned”

Serving on this statewide committee has been an excellent opportunity to learn about the incredible historic resources across the state of Iowa, from unique steel bridges and barns to “Main Street” historic districts and architecturally significant schools… and everything between.  It has also been a great opportunity to strengthen professional relationships with historic preservation experts and staff at the SHPO.