Iowa Administrative Code Agency 223 - Historical Division
What is the Historical Division (Agency 223)?
The Historical Division (under Agency 223) is responsible for managing and preserving Iowa’s historical resources. It operates under the broader Department of Cultural Affairs and works to support Iowa's heritage through museums, archives, historic preservation, and educational outreach.
📜 Key Areas of Responsibility in Agency 223
1. State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI)
Agency 223 includes rules related to the State Historical Society, which oversees historical preservation efforts, operates museums and libraries, and maintains archives related to Iowa’s history.
Rules in this area may govern:
Access to historical records and archives
Use of research libraries and materials
Operation of state-owned historical museums and sites
2. Archives and Records Management
Agency 223 establishes how state historical records are:
Stored
Preserved
Made available to the public or researchers
It also may outline retention schedules and access rules for sensitive or restricted materials.
3. Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP)
This program provides grants or funding to:
Preserve historic buildings
Digitize archives
Support local history projects
Rules under this program would include:
Who can apply (e.g., nonprofits, governments)
Application procedures
Grant award criteria and reporting requirements
4. Historic Preservation Programs
Includes guidelines for:
Reviewing construction or renovation projects that affect historic sites
Nominating buildings or districts to state or national registers of historic places
Administering preservation tax incentives or technical assistance
5. Museums and Educational Programs
Agency 223 rules may govern:
How state-operated museums (like the State Historical Museum in Des Moines) are managed
Educational programming (e.g., school tours, lectures, exhibits)
Artifact acquisition, loan, and deaccession policies
6. Curation of Artifacts and Collections
The agency handles policies related to:
Collecting, preserving, and displaying historical objects
Ensuring proper documentation and storage
Returning or loaning artifacts under certain conditions
⚙️ How the Rules Work in Practice
Each rule in Agency 223 will usually include:
Definitions (what counts as a historic property, artifact, etc.)
Scope (who the rule applies to)
Procedures (e.g., how to apply for grants or access records)
Compliance Requirements (what must be done to follow the rules)
Enforcement (penalties or consequences for not complying)
✅ Summary
In essence, Agency 223 - Historical Division contains administrative rules that:
Protect and manage Iowa’s historical records and resources
Support public history and education
Regulate funding and preservation efforts
Guide public access to Iowa’s historical archives, sites, and collections
These rules ensure that Iowa's cultural and historical heritage is preserved, shared, and made accessible for future generations.
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