State Historical Society of Iowa recognizes local achievement in historic preservation, community history awards

The State Historical Society of Iowa recognized National Historic Preservation Month in May by announcing numerous historic preservation and community history awards and certificates.

The awards and certificates recognize historians, historic preservationists and other individuals and groups for their work in 2009 to preserve Iowa's rich heritage.

"These awards and certificates are recognition of the efforts undertaken last year to preserve our historic assets," Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Cyndi Pederson said. "We are grateful for the time and hard work these people have devoted to ensure our heritage is kept alive for future generations of Iowans to enjoy."

David S. Faldet, author of "Oneota Flow: The Upper Iowa River and Its People (Iowa City: University of Iowa Press)" received honorable mention in the Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award for the most significant book published on Iowa history during the previous calendar year.

Decorah received recognition in the certified Local Government Grants category for National Register Nomination of the Decorah Municipal Pool Building. Jointly administered by the National Park Service in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office, the Certified Local Government Program is a model and a cost-effective local, state and federal partnership that promotes historic preservation at the grassroots level across the nation.