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City declares May Preservation Month; historic commission reports radar evidence at Cedar Hill Park cemetery site
Summary
The Waverly City Council proclaimed May 2025 as Preservation Month and members of the Historic Preservation Commission reported results from the state archaeologist and a flyover radar that support the presence of historical graves at Cedar Hill Park.
WAVERLY, Iowa — The Waverly City Council on April 21 unanimously approved a proclamation declaring May 2025 as National Preservation Month in Waverly and heard an update from the Historic Preservation Commission on recent findings at Cedar Hill Park.
Bart Mackey, co-chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, thanked the council for the proclamation and said the Waverly Public Library will host a May exhibit of historic photographs and related materials coordinated with the chamber and local theater. Mackey said the commission delayed a downtown recognition event until completion of a nearby bridge so both sides of the downtown could be featured.
On follow-up from a prior commission discussion, Mackey told the council that three members of the Bremer County Historical Society met with the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA). The OSA told them Cedar Hill Park is on record as a cemetery in maps or records from 1875, 1894 and 1917, Mackey said. The group also conducted a radar flyover that showed ground anomalies described as "divots" consistent with historic grave depressions, he said.
Mary Meyer, a commission member present, confirmed the commission is exploring signage to recognize the site. Mackey said the commission will follow statutory processes for recognition and will provide more details once available.
The council adopted the Preservation Month proclamation by voice vote.
Ending
The commission said it will return with more information about Cedar Hill Park and any proposed signage or next steps. The library exhibit and coordinated downtown events were presented as part of May's programming to mark Preservation Month.
