Becoming a FHP Board Member.

Do you live in Iowa City or Johnson County, and are you interested in our rich heritage and the preservation of our historic buildings?

If you answered ‘YES’ – you might want to look into becoming a Board Member of FHP…

So, what is FHP – Friends of Historic Preservation?

Back in 1975, Friends of Old Brick – our founding name – was formed in order to save Iowa City’s second oldest public building – North Presbyterian Church, located at 26 E. Market Street. Today, FHP – the name was changed in 1988 – is working diligently to not only preserve and protect Iowa City’s rich heritage of buildings, but also the personal stories that go along with each of those iconic facilities.

In 2025 – Friends of Historic Preservation is celebrating its 50th year of work here in Iowa City. Now, here’s your opportunity – as one who loves Iowa City, its rich history, and its vast array of historic properties – to come alongside our FHP Board, helping us steer this organization into its next 50 years!

Saving Iowa City’s Old Brick – 1975-1977. When it was announced in 1966 that the leadership team of First Presbyterian Church had decided to tear down their iconic church building on Market Street, replacing it with a new facility, all hell broke loose within the congregation. By 1968, Professor Joseph Baker and his wife Matilda – long time members of the church – had been excommunicated, accused of causing division by steer-heading a city-wide effort to save ‘Old Brick’. Between 1975 and 1977, the preservation effort continued – working under the name of Friends of Old Brick. Standing their ground against all odds, by April 1977, Old Brick was saved from certain destruction. Today – 50 years later – the hard work of historic preservation continues, with Friends of Historic Preservation now leading the way. Read more about the saving of Old Brick here

FHP – Becoming A Board Member…

The FHP Board is made up of a diverse group of women and men who love Iowa City and Johnson County, have a deep interest in our rich heritage, and have the time and energy to steer-head on-going efforts to preserve and protect historic buildings and neighborhoods, while enhancing awareness of the cultural, environmental, and economic benefits of preservation.

Board meetings are held monthly and as a “hands-on” board member, you would be asked to participate in those meetings, plus add any additional time and energy you might have toward any special projects FHP is currently working on.

So, What’s The Next Step?

Click here to visit the FHP website.

Visit the FHP website and take a look at all the things we do as an organization. If this catches your interest, simply drop us an email and we’ll get in touch with you. We’ll chat on the phone, in person, and/or on-line, answer any questions you might have, and go from there!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU TODAY!