About Us
Forest Grove School Preservation was founded in 2012 and began restoring the weatherboards of the one-room school soon after.
With assistance from architect Doug Steinmetz, volunteers worked from historic photos to reconstruct the structure’s bell tower, windows and doors, foundation, roof, and signage. The restoration project was featured in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s magazine, Preservation, in 2018.
Funds were raised for the restoration effort through community events like pie auctions and trivia nights. We are grateful for the generosity of community members provided labor and materials at a discount or no charge, including donations of floorboards and slate chalkboards from three nearby schools, two of which had been demolished.
Restoration Photos
Click on each photo to enlarge.
News & Updates
- October 2022, QC documentary filmmakers win two regional Emmys
- August 2022, Going back to this school means going back in time
- June 2022, Forest Grove School Preservation project earns prestigious Iowa Historical Society Award
- May 2022, Restored 1873 Forest Grove School opens for reenactments
- May 2022, Restored school offers glimpse back to typical classroom
- September 2021, Forest Grove Schoolhouse looks to grow this Fall after reopening
- May 2021, Forest Grove School Preservation Reopening is Saturday
- May 2021, A restored one-room schoolhouse in Bettendorf is set to reopen to the public