The national Trust for Historic Preservation recently released its list of the nation’s “Most Endangered Places.” In addition to some individual landmarks, it includes categories like old prairie churches and historic movie theatres. Iowa Cultural Affairs Director Anita Walker says the state has its own list of places rich in that kind of history.Walker says there are options for people who see Iowa’s historic places becoming endangered by time and neglect.The first step is getting the place listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Then local people notice, rally around and look for fundraising ideas including some grant programs through the state Historical Society. Walker adds that genuinely “endangered” Iowa places have been identified, for the Historic Preservation Alliance. They include a post-office in Clinton, a hotel in Bedford, a jail in Ft Madison, the bandshell in Mason City where Meredith Wilson performed. Walker says the home of the real-life “Music Man” is a good example of a place that embodies the history of the people there.
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