Letter of Support for NEH Challenge Grant Application Copyrighted
March 19, 2018
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 18.
ITEM TITLE: Letter of Support for NEH Challenge Grant Application
SUMMARY: Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens providing a
letter of support for the Dubuque County Historical
Society's application for a National Endowment for the
Humanities (NEH) Challenge Grant for improvements to the
Mathias Ham House Historical Site and the William M.
Black historic dredge boat.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Letter of Support Staff Memo
Dubuque Planning Services Department
THE CITY �F � City Hall-50 West 13�Street
���"�"_� Dubuque,IA 52001-4845
�� � �� �� (563)589-4210 phone
�� 563 589-4221 fax
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�Vlasterpieee on the Mississippi �.2o17 (563)690-6678 TDD
planning@cityofdubuque^or�
March 13, 2018
Kurt Strand, President and CEO
Dubuque County Historical Society
350 E. 3rd Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
SUBJECT: Letter of Support for NEH Challenge Grant Application
Dear Mr. Strand,
I am pleased to provide this letter of support on behalf of the City of Dubuque in support of the
Dubuque County Historical Society's application for a National Endowment for the Humanities
(NEH) Challenge Grant for improvements to the Mathias Ham House Historical Site and the
William M. Black historic dredge boat. Both properties are listed in the National Register of
Historic Places. In addition, the William M. Black is a National Historic Landmark.
In our long collaboration with the Historical Society, stewarding both the Mathias Ham House
Historical Site and the William M. Black historic dredge boat, we've recognized the power of
working partnerships and the fundamental significance of the Mississippi River on our cultural
heritage. The City has designated both the Ham House Site and the William M. Black as local
city landmarks. The City's Historic Preservation Commission has the responsibility to promote
the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of such landmarks through outreach, education,
and design review of improvements.
The preservation of these historic landmark properties is crucial for the continued opportunity to
promote and conduct educational and interpretive programs on key historic sites. It heightens
the awareness for the ongoing protection of historically and architecturally significant structures
that exemplify the cultural, social, and architectural history of the nation, our state, and our city.
The Historical Society's dedication to preserving and interpreting river history offers enriching
and engaging experiences to visitors and residents, furthering the social and cultural vibrancy of
our community. The City of Dubuque supports your initiative to seek funding toward site and
landscape improvements at the Ham House Site and for the ongoing preservation needs of the
William M. Black. We look forward to the collaborative process of enhancing and preserving
these historic landmarks in partnership with the City's Historic Preservation Commission.
Sincerely,
` L�-'l.,L� �..�, ����,,,.�
Laura Carstens
Planning Services Manager
cc: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
David Johnson, Acting Building Services Manager
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork