Historic Preservation Projects

Preservation in Action

Historic Preservation falls under the mission of the Riley County Historical Society and we, as in institution own, manage, and care for ten indivudual historic properties ranging in build dates from 1855 - 1903. As stewards of these properties, the RCHS is committed to preserving and protecting our local cultural resources for the good of the community for generations to come.

Through our preservation efforts, we are able to utilize these properties as educational tools as we make them available to the public for guided and self-guided tours, as museums, event platforms, field trip sites, preservation workshop host sites, and more. In turn, we can use these opportunities to raise awareness of preservation planning, the unique art of craftspeople employed throughout a project, how funding works, and how to navigate preservation laws, regulations, local CLGss, tax credits, and more. 

Learn about our individual properties here. 

What is Historic Preservation?

Historic preservation became a defined and federally recognized field and process in 1966 with the passing of the National Historic Preservation Act. Today, standards, practices, and professional requirements are defined by the US Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation and resources such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation exist. As simple definition of historic preservation is the act and process that identifies, protects, rehabilitates, and preserves historically and culturally significant resources. These resources can include, but are not limited to buildings, structures, landscapes, objects, and more. 

Partners of all types can become involved in preservation efforts from individual private citizens, to non-profit organizations, to corporations, to craftspeople and industry professionals, to government entities.  

Current RCHS Preservation Projects

At this time, the RCHS is engaged in the following preservation projects:

• Complete restoration of the Wolf Photography Studio, 1902 (624 Fremont St., Manhattan)
• Historic Roof Replacement and masonry repointing on the Wolf House Museum, 1858 (630 Fremont St., Manhattan)
• Interior ceiling restoriation and cupola repairs of the Rocky Ford Schoolhouse, 1903 (1969 Barnes Rd., Manhattan)
• Interior and door restoration of the Hartford House, 1855 (2309 Claflin Rd., Manhattan)

How Do I Learn More? 

If you have an interest in our local preservation project and wish to learn more or become involved,