Winneshiek supervisors proclaim May Historic Preservation Month, honor Green family farm

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on May 20 proclaimed May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month and presented a certificate of appreciation to the Green family for restoring a 1920s sugar bush on their Maplewood Farm in Bloomfield Township.

The proclamation, read aloud by a representative of the county's historic preservation commission, said historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering local pride. A supervisor moved to adopt the proclamation; another seconded the motion and the board approved it on a voice vote.

After the proclamation the board recognized the Green family. A family member said the family had spent "five or six years" restoring the property and noted the farm is marking its 175th anniversary. "We're just very excited to have the farm and the family for 175 years," the family member said.

The board then moved and seconded approval of a 2026 certificate of appreciation for Greens Maplewood Farm; the motion passed unanimously. County staff and the family staged two photo sessions with commission members and supervising officials following the presentation.

Why it matters: The recognition highlights local preservation work that county officials say helps retain community character and educates residents about regional history. The commission indicated it will continue outreach and may produce handouts or interpretive materials to increase public access to local history.

Next steps: The commission plans to keep promoting preservation activities and the county will archive the presentation in its meeting record.