Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Preservation Society has donated books to the Rock Island Public Library Children's Department in celebration of Historic Preservation Month in May.

Rock Island Preservation Society donated three sets each of Old House New House, by Michael Gaughenbaugh and Herbert Camburn, and Under Every Roof, by Patricia Brown Glenn and illustrator Joe Stites. Old House New House reveals how American houses have changed over time through the example of a family renovating a Victorian mansion. Under Every Roof is a field guide to American architectural styles and features. Kids and families can create their own walking tour by using the guide to identify architectural styles in their neighborhoods.

"It is never too early to begin to appreciate our history and the built environment around us, and these books can provide a great introduction," says Linda Anderson, president of the Rock Island Preservation Society.

The donated titles will be available for checkout with any valid public library card at the Rock Island Main Library, 30/31 and Southwest Branches. For availability, check the library's online catalog at www.rockislandlibrary.org.

For more information about Rock Island Library services and programs, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds were joined by Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie during their regular weekly press conference today to encourage Iowans to attend the third annual Preserve Iowa Summit from June 25-27 in Winterset.

"As many of you know, I'm a strong supporter of Iowa history and the Preserve Iowa Summit is the premier statewide annual conference for historic preservation in Iowa," Branstad said. "The summit highlights the economic development and quality of life benefits our communities receive through the preservation of historic properties. I invite all Iowans interested in our state's history to attend the summit."

"The summit will inspire Iowans to discover, preserve and enhance their communities' unique history and sense of place," Reynolds said. "I want to acknowledge the work Winterset and Madison County have done to preserve and enhance their historical and cultural assets. Studios and galleries occupy rehabilitated historical buildings, and the John Wayne Birthplace Home and Museum and the Bridges of Madison County continue to draw interest from people around the world. These and other attractions in the area will make this summit an exciting event, so I encourage Iowans to register today."

Coordinated by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs' State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Madison County Historic Preservation Commission, the "2015 Preserve Iowa Summit: The Power of Preservation" will be June 25-27, 2015, in Winterset. Iowans and others may register for the summit at www.preserveiowasummit.com.

The summit is designed for all Iowans interested in history, and the sessions will particularly be of interest for local government, civic and community leaders, chambers of commerce, developers and architects, owners of historic properties, preservation professionals and volunteers, and other Iowans invested in community development.

"We are pleased and grateful to partner with the Madison County Historic Preservation Commission to present this summit," Cownie said. "Attendees will have access to excellent content related to community development that impacts local quality of life. Hopefully they will return home with new ideas and inspiration to make impactful changes in their own communities. This is going to be a terrific summit and I join Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds in encouraging and inviting Iowans to register and attend."

Keynote speakers are Ed McMahon of the Urban Land Institute in Washington, D.C., Bonnie McDonald, president of Landmarks Illinois, and Underground Railroad authority Matthew Pinsker. Preservation Iowa will present its "Preservation at its Best" awards, and preservationists from across the state will share "Three-Minute Success Stories."

The summit will also feature an all-day Underground Railroad (UGRR) workshop, including a tour of the historic Hitchcock House near Lewis. Registration is included as part of the summit, but individuals not attending the summit may register for the UGRR workshop separately.

In addition, attendees can experience "parklets" on Winterset's Courthouse Square, built by Iowa architecture firms. These innovative temporary parks re-purpose parking spaces for seating, planting, art installations and conversation so people can enjoy the local scene.

Rich Mills of the Madison County Bike Club and Leo Landis and Jess Rundlett of the State Historical Museum of Iowa will host a 13-mile round-trip bicycle ride from the Cutler-Donahue Covered Bridge in Winterset's City Park to Pammel State Park. Advance registration and bike helmets are required.

During the summit, a State Nominations Review Committee meeting will be held to review nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The committee will consider Winterset's Courthouse Square, a post-World War II school in Cedar Rapids, Manning's downtown and many other interesting Iowa properties. The committee meeting is free and open to the public.

The summit is supported by Preservation Iowa, AIA Iowa, Madison County, the City of Winterset, Madison County Development Group, Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Historical Society and the community of Winterset. It is funded in part by the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior.

Detailed information about the summit, sessions, speakers, programs and registration is available at www.preserveiowasummit.com. Early Bird Conference Registration runs until May 15, 2015, and offers $30 off the registration fee.

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DES MOINES, IA (03/10/2015)(readMedia)-- April 15 is right around the corner! When you file your Iowa state income tax return, don't forget to support the Iowa State Fair by participating in the Corndog Tax Checkoff. All it takes is one little checkmark on your state tax form to help the Fair continue to preserve the allure of the historic Fairgrounds.

Look for the State Fairgrounds Renovation Checkoff on line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or on line 14 of Iowa Tax Form 1040A and check off $1 (or more!) to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.

The Corndog Checkoff is a simple way to support your Iowa State Fair! Every dollar donated to the Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The Corndog Checkoff has raised over $1.7 million, and has supplemented restoration projects from the Grandstand to the newly air conditioned Cultural Center. In addition, funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Tax Checkoff, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or emailbluerf@blueribbonfoundation.org.

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