Friends of Fort Atkinson group has begun raising matching funds for a grant of up to a half million dollars

(Photo courtesy of BlueBird Images)

The "Friends of Fort Atkinson" organization has kicked off a fundraising campaign to bring in matching funds for a $497,500 National Park Service grant awarded to the Iowa DNR.

The National Park Service grant is providing money to stabilize the 179-year-old buildings at the historic Fort Atkinson site. Through the program, the Park Service will match money raised by the State and local communities over a three-year period to inspect, stabilize and repair the four remaining Fort structures. Fort Atkinson is the only fort in Iowa with original buildings, built before Iowa's statehood, still standing.

The Friends of Fort Atkinson held a motorcycle ride and classic car rally over the past weekend.  It is now soliciting donations, which can be mailed to:

Northeast Iowa RC&D
c/o Friends of Ft Atkinson
P.O. Box 916
Postville,Iowa 52162