Historic Resource Development Program Grant Application_Mines of SpainTHE CITY OF DUBUQUE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All-American City
2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Historic Resource Development Program Grant Application for Mines of
Spain Exhibit & Education Program
DATE: April 28, 2009
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens recommends City Council approval to
submit an Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP) Grant Application to the
State Historical Society of Iowa for the Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education Program
and a resolution of support for the application. The City would be the project sponsor
for the Friends of the Mines of Spain for this grant. The City is not obligated to provide
any match; however, if the grant is awarded, then the City must upfront direct costs for
the exhibit design and installation and then submit periodic reimbursement requests as
the project expenses are incurred.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Servcies Manager
THE CITY OF DUBUQUE
Mastepiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All-American City
2007
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager `
SUBJECT: HRDP Grant Application for Mines of Spain Exhibit & Education Program
DATE: April 24, 2009
INTRODUCTION
Attached for City Council review and approval is an Historic Resource Development
Program (HRDP) Grant Application to the State Historical Society of Iowa for the Mines
of Spain Exhibit and Education Program and a resolution in support of the application.
The City would be the project sponsor for the Friends of the Mines of Spain for this
grant.
DISCUSSION
The City of Dubuque owns the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain
State Recreation Area. The Friends of the Mines of Spain is anon-profit corporation that
assists the Mines of Spain Park Staff in the administering of the Mines of Spain and the
Interpretive Center.
The Interpretive Center serves as a visitor information center and park office for the
Mines of Spain. Displays and exhibits provide information about the history and features
of the park. It currently serves over 200,000 visitors annually and provides hundreds of
programs for school aged children, youth groups and families. Demand has continued
to increase for more programs and services. With expansion of the Center, exhibits and
education programs are needed.
The Mines of Spain Interpretive Exhibit and Education Program will help create a major
interpretive exhibit and education program which tells the story of the Mines of Spain in
a variety of formats: curriculum-based field studies for school groups, workshops,
seminars, publications (brochures, tour guides, maps), educational materials, indoor
and outdoor exhibits, signs, audio-visual materials, electronic media (enhanced
website). The project will update and expand existing interpretive and educational
exhibits, displays, facilities and materials, focusing on raising awareness, appreciation,
and stewardship of the park's historic and natural resources.
HRDP Grant Application for Mines of Spain Exhibits page 2
BUDGET IMPACT
The total project budget is $180,500, with match being provided from the City's
$150,000 federal Preserve America grant for the Mines of Spain Interpretive Exhibit and
Education Program. The City is not obligated to provide any match; however, if the
grant is awarded, then the City must upfront direct costs for the exhibit design and
installation. The City then will submit periodic reimbursement requests as these project
expenses are incurred.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the City Council approve the enclosed resolution authorizing the
submittal of the HRDP grant application for the Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education
Program.
Enclosures
cc Douglas G. Olk, President, Friends of the Mines of Spain
Wayne Buchholtz, Park Ranger
Gil Spence, Leisure Services Manager
Prepared by: Laura Carstens. City Planner Address: City Hall. 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589-4210
Return to: Jeanne Schneider. City Clerk Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13 St Telephone: 589-4121
RESOLUTION NO. 141-09
RESOLUTION APPROVING HRDP GRANT APPLICATION FOR MINES OF SPAIN
EXHIBIT AND EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Whereas, the State Historical Society of Iowa has Historic Resource Development Program
(HRDP) grant funds available for the preservation and interpretation of Iowa's historic and cultural
resources; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque has adopted a Comprehensive Plan with goals and objectives
for the preservation and interpretation of the community's historic and cultural resources; and
Whereas, the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area is
owned by the City of Dubuque.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the City Manager is authorized #o sign and submit this application to the
State Historical Society of Iowa for HRDP Grant Funds for the Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education
Program.
Section 2. That the City of Dubuque agrees to abide by all local, state and federal
requirements applicable to the proposed budget.
Passed, approved and adopted this 4th day of May 2009.
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA
FY10 REAP/HRDP Grants
Documentary Collections
Part 1: Application Cover Sheet
Applicant Section
Name of Applicant : City of Dubuque
Name & Title of Contact Person : Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Address : Planning Services Department, 50 W. 13th St.
City : Dubuque State : IA Zip : 52001
Email Address : IcarstenCa~cityofdubugue.org
Telephone (daytime) : (563) 589-4210 __
Type of Applicant:
® Nonprofit corporation; unit of government; or American Indian tribe
Individual
Business
Applicant Profile : The city of Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa. The
city is approximately 30 sauare miles in area, with a population of approximately 60,000 persons. The City's
annual operating and capital budget is nearly $100 million and funds a full range of services, including historic
preservation and arts & culture.
Project Section
Project Title : Mines of Spain Exhibit and Educational Program
Project Category
® Documentary Collections
Project Summary:
County where project is located: Dubuque
Iowa General Assembly/Legislative District Numbers:
House: 27 &28 Senate: 14
U.S. Congressional District: 1
Ownership Section
Does the Applicant own the historic resource? X _ Yes No
If the applicant does not own the historic resource, the following
information is required:
Name of Owner:
Address:
City:
State: Zip:
Email Address:
Telephone (daytime):
I give my permission for the applicant to carry out the project described
in this REAP/HRDP grant application.
Signature of Owner:
Date:
Public Access
Does the public have access to the historical resource? X Yes No
If yes, how is the historical resource made accessible to the public? (what
are your hours of operation? Is it visible from a public street? Is it
available to view by appointment?) The Mines of Spain is open vear-round, from 4 a.m. to 10:30
p.m. The interpretive center is open vear-round. It is open Monday -Friday from October -April with limited
hours. During the summer season April - October the center is open 7 days a week. Summer hours are 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday and noon to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.
If no, how do you plan to make the historical resource accessible to the
public to meet our guidelines? Is there a reason that the historical
resource cannot be made accessible to the public?
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA
FY10 REAP/HRDP Grants
PART 2: Project Description and
Specific Project Scope of Work
Project Description: Within your discussion, be sure to (1)
specifically identify the historical resource and state its significance;
(2) provide an overview of the activities you will complete; and (3)
explain how the proposed actions will assist the historical resource.
Describe how the project will have an impact on the local community
(neighborhood, town, region, or however you choose to define that
community).
Historical Resource & Significance
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area consists of 1,387 acres of forest and prairie along the Mississippi
River in Dubuque County near the city of Dubuque. This state park is a National Historic Landmark and a
state preserve. The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center serves as a visitor information center and park office for
the Mines of Spain. The Interpretive Center has displays on the park's historical sites of farming, prairies, lead
mining, Native Americans and wildlife. Trails connect visitors to a farm site, forests, prairies, archeological
sites, and wetlands. The Mines of Spain Area Rural Community Archeological District, Lead Mining
Community Archeological District, and Prehistoric District, and the Dubuque Trading Post--Village of Kettle
Chief Archeological District were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. In 1993, the Mines
of Spain, which includes the Julien Dubuque Monument, was designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area was designated in 2005 as a Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage
Area site. The Julien Dubuque Monument, built in 1897 on the site where Dubuque was buried, sits high
above the Mississippi River and provides the "landmark" for the Mines of Spain. The Julien Dubuque
Monument, owned by the State of Iowa, was listed in the National Register in 1988. It was protected as a City
Landmark in 1993.
Project Overview
The primary objectives of the Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education Program are to: increase visitation,
enhance interpretation, expand educational opportunities, and increase access to the historical resource.
The Mines of Spain has been a focal point for environmental and cultural educational programs and
interpretive activities for the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin for many years. Burgeoning interest
in the rich history of the area and growing awareness of the significance of the Mississippi River and its
watershed has created greater demands for exhibits and educational programming. Demand has increased
for more programs and services over time.
By achieving the primary objectives of the Mines of Spain Exhibit project, the results will be: updated and
expanded interpretive and educational exhibits, displays, facilities and materials; creation of new exhibits and
displays for visitors to explore the science, culture and history of the region; telling the story of the Mines of
Spain in a variety of accessible formats: curriculum-based field studies for school groups, workshops,
seminars, publications (brochures, tour guides, maps), educational materials, indoor and outdoor exhibits,
signs, audio-visual materials, and an enhanced website; a library stocked with field identification books,
historic documents, DVDs, videos, and other reference materials; attracting and serving more visitors from
the community, tri-state area, the Midwest, the nation, and the world; increasing awareness, appreciation,
and stewardship of the park's historic, cultural and natural resources; and fostering alliances and
collaboration with public agencies, private organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Using this same format, continue on additional sheets as necessary.
Project Scope of Work:
This section is a critical part of the application. Provide a step-by-
step description of how the project will be carried out. Each major work
element should clearly relate to budget line items. Include a timeline
for each major work element.
Project Scope of Work
Request for Proposals /Selection of Exhibit Designer: Requests for proposals for the exhibit designer for the
Preserve America grant will be developed, distributed and reviewed in accordance with National Park
Service requirements. Selection of an exhibit designer will be made, and a contract awarded and negotiated.
Evaluate Existing Exhibits and Educational Programs: An Exhibit and Education Program Committee,
comprised of key educators from the community and other interested stakeholders, will meet with the
selected exhibit designer to evaluate existing interpretive exhibits and educational programming and
services to K-12 classes and college students as well as families, individuals, youth groups, and tour groups.
Development of Exhibits and Educational Concepts: The selected exhibit designer will develop exhibits and
educational concepts for review and approval by the Exhibit and Education Program Committee, local
scholars and educators, and IDNR staff. From the approved draft concepts, the exhibit and educational
materials will be developed.
Installation of Exhibits: Installation of indoor and outdoor exhibits, signs, audio-visual materials, and
library/reference materials will be coordinated with the construction of the expansion and renovation of the
Interpretive Center.
Production of Educational Materials: Production of educational materials (such as publications -- brochures,
tour guides, maps) and creation of an enhanced website will be coordinated with the installation of the
exhibits and displays and the expansion and renovation of the existing Interpretive Center.
Implementation of Exhibit and Education Program: Implementation of the entire major interpretive exhibit and
education program through curriculum-based field studies for school groups, workshops, seminars will be
implemented when expansion and renovation of the Interpretive Center is finished.
Evaluation of New Exhibit and Educational Program: The Exhibit and Education Program Committee will
track where the new exhibits and educational programming are working, and where improvements can be
made after the first 12 months.
Timeline
Request for Proposals /Selection of Exhibit Designer: July -- August, 2009
Evaluate Existing Exhibits and Educational Programs: September -- October, 2009
Development of Exhibit and Educational Concepts: November, 2009 -January, 2010
Installation of Exhibits: February -June, 2010
Production of Educational Materials: February -June, 2010
Implementation of Exhibit and Education Program: July -September, 2010
Evaluation of New Exhibit and Educational Program: September, 2011
Close-out /Project Completion: October, 2011
Using this same format, attach additional sheets as necessary.
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA
FY10 REAP/HRDP Grants
PART 2: Project Description and
Specific Project Scope of Work
Continuation
Assistance to Historical Resource
With the Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education Program, we envision an increase of interpretive
programs, an increase in visitation, and an increase in partnerships with other organizations that
are interested in the future of the tri-state area's historical, archeological, and natural resources.
The outcome will be to provide a place for expanded education, a greater variety of experiences
for the visitor and a focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability. We look to create
an atmosphere for heritage tourism to attract more visitors to the community and to the park.
New and updated exhibits will provide information on nationally significant historic,
archeological, cultural and natural features at the Mines of Spain.
With the Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education Program, we will be able to provide more
interpretive programs, conduct biological studies, offer a reference library, preserve and store
artifacts, and provide interpretive and educational programs in a variety of formats that are
accessible to everyone. We will be able to protect and enhance the site's unique, rare and
significant cultural and natural resources. We also will be able to interpret the significance of the
site's resources and to increase visitor understanding and appreciation of the natural and
cultural heritage of the area.
Community Impact
At the heart of the Mines of Spain is the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, which opened in 1976.
It currently serves over 200,000 visitors annually and provides hundreds of programs for school
aged children, youth groups and families. Visitors are from throughout the USA and around the
world; most are from Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. The Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education
Program will increase access to educational offerings to a greater number of individuals,
general public, students and visitors. The project will enable individuals, school groups, tour
groups, and people of all ages to enjoy and explore the park's prehistoric, historic, cultural and
natural features while instilling appreciation for preservation of these historic and archeological
resources and cultural assets.
The Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education Program will tie interpretive, educational, and
recreational opportunities at the Mines of Spain with other attractions and facilities and promote
these cooperatively to attract visitors, both in state and out of state. It will expand local citizen
awareness of the resources and importance of the natural, historic, archeological and cultural
resources of the region. The project will provide information on the Mines of Spain and its
resources and disseminate information on the many historical sites and recreation opportunities
in the tri-state area for the visitor and resident alike. The Mines of Spain Exhibit and Education
Program will enable us to work with the Dubuque Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to
cooperatively market activities at the Mines of Spain with downtown sites like the historic Shot
Tower, associated with lead mining, and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, as
well as riverfront sites like the historic Mathias Ham House, associated with lead mining, and
Four Mounds Estate, associated with agriculture and Native American mounds.
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA
FY10 REAP/HRDP Grants
Part 3: Budget Form
PROJECTED COSTS REAP/HRDP
GRANT
REQUEST APPLICANT'S MATCH ROW TOTALS
Cash In-Kind
Consultant Fees $ 50,000 $ 50,000
Travel and Per Diem $ 5,000 $ 5,000
Supplies and Materials $ 30,000 $ 95,000 $ 125,000
TAN X $500 $500
-
$30,500 Cash
$150,000 In-Kind
$0
$180,500
REAP/HRDP APPLICANT MATCH TOTAL PROJECT
GRANT COST
*A $5001ine is provided for TAN (Technical Advisory Network). It is included as part of your grant,
should the need for technical assi"stance arise during the project. If the $500 is not used for TAN during
the project, the $500 reverts to the State Historical Society and shall not be used to fund another portion
of your project. Please include this line even if you do not foresee using it.
Matching requirements for each one dollar of grant request are as follows:
Units of govt., tribes, & non-prof tcorporations -fifty cents, of which at least twenty-five cents must be in cash.
Individuals -seventy-five cents, of which at least fifty cents must be in cash.
Businesses -one dollar, of which at least seventy-five cents must be in cash.
For further explanation please see MATCHING FUNDS in the grant guidelines.