VISIT THE SCHPS BOOTH AT THE 2026 QC ARCHIVES FAIR

Connect with local historical societies, explore specialized collections, and support Quad Cities preservation.

Calling all local history enthusiasts, researchers, and historic preservation advocates! The Scott County Historic Preservation Society will be hosting an informational booth at the annual Quad Cities Archives Fair on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Putnam Museum.

What to Expect

This free, public event brings together unique archives, libraries, and museum collections from across the region under one roof. When you visit:

• Meet Our Board: Stop by the SCHPS booth to talk with our team about ongoing local preservation efforts, historical initiatives, and upcoming member programs.
• Explore Local History: Discover rare archival materials and learn about specialized research collections available in the Quad Cities.
• Guest Speaker & Prizes: Enjoy a presentation from Putnam Museum staff and enter to win door prize swag from local history organizations!

For complete location details and directions, view the entry on our Events Calendar. We look forward to seeing you at the Putnam!

DEFENDING SECTION 106: PROTECTING HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Take action to safeguard the consultation requirements and protections of the National Historic Preservation Act.

As preservationists facing significant local changes—such as the planned replacement of our National Register-listed Centennial Bridge—ensuring robust federal and state oversight is more critical than ever. The Scott County Historic Preservation Society board urges our members and community to support the integrity of Section 106.

Call to Action: Contact Your Representatives

Per guidance from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, please contact your state and federal representatives today and urge them to:

• Oppose Weakening Changes: Oppose regulatory changes that weaken the protections and consultation requirements established under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Ensure Statutory Intent: Encourage the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to develop regulations consistent with the intent of Congress and the statutory requirements of the NHPA.
• Support Transparency: Support a transparent regulatory process that fully considers the perspectives of State and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, Tribal Nations, local governments, preservation organizations, property owners, and the public.

Share Your Section 106 Success Story

Have you or your community experienced a successful preservation outcome through the Section 106 process? The National Trust wants to hear your stories! You can submit your experiences via their Section 106 Success Story Survey.

To learn more about how Section 106 protects historic sites and how you can get involved, visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation Section 106 Resource Page.

From the SCHPS Board of Directors

We encourage everyone to write to their representatives to share their views on the vital importance of preserving Section 106 protections in our communities.

CENTENNIAL BRIDGE UPDATE: E-2 SELECTION & NEXT STEPS

Important takeaways from the recent project meeting regarding the future of our regional crossing and historic preservation concerns.

Following recent stakeholder and public meetings, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has moved forward with plans for the Centennial Bridge. As we prepare to lose a National Register-listed historic bridge, SCHPS is actively monitoring design decisions, safety logistics, and community aesthetics.

IDOT Decision & Public Input

Public feedback from the 3rd meeting showed a clear community preference, leading to IDOT's selection:

• Public Preferences: 39% preferred option E-2 (new bridge right next to current), 19% rehabilitation, 7% E-7 (Marquette location), and 2% keeping the existing bridge.
• Selected Path (E-2): IDOT has chosen E-2 to build a wider 4-lane bridge at the same Davenport and Rock Island intersections. The existing historic Centennial Bridge will be demolished upon completion.
• Maintenance Reality: Discussions noted that further maintenance would only extend the current bridge's life 40 years max, and IDOT has decided against painting it despite contract concerns. Funding is secured now, though future availability is uncertain. The Davenport City Council was updated on September 9, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has given initial approval.

Bridge Design Options & Aesthetics Discussion

Designs must accommodate Coast Guard regulations for deep-channel Mississippi River traffic on the Illinois side. IDOT presented four remaining structure types (two multi-arch and extradosed designs were cut due to cost):

• 1. Tied arch (single, offset on the Rock Island side)
• 2. Cable-stayed with a single tower (tall post in the middle)
• 3. Cable-stayed with two towers (center post with shorter post on the RI side)
• 4. Steel plate girder (flat, no-frills profile)

Aesthetics Concern: There was deep disappointment among stakeholders that aesthetics—previously heavily emphasized—were largely ignored in these baseline choices, with nothing proposed for the Davenport side. SCHPS strongly advocated that we expect something iconic and beautiful to replace our historic landmark. Among the options reviewed, the two-tower cable-stayed design received the most informal stakeholder support. An aesthetics focus group will form in November, and the Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) has secured a confirmed seat at the table.

Safety, Bike/Ped Path Logistics & Timeline

• Bike & Pedestrian Connectivity: Detailed discussions focused on traffic safety around rail crossings as walkers and bikers connect to trail systems on both sides of the river, governed by ADA 5% grade requirements.
• Upcoming Public Meeting #4: Wednesday, October 21, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. (open house format) at the Holiday Inn in Rock Island, featuring a whiteboard for public ideas on safe bike route connections.
• Project Timeline: Final TAG/CAG meeting in Spring 2027; Final project report in Summer 2027; Phase one approval in Fall 2027. New construction will not begin for at least 4 years.