Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MERCER, Helen
MERCER, Helen. (Ringold Co, IA- ). President, DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Mercer came to Dubuque in 1939 with her husband, Kenneth E. MERCER. She retired in 1976 as curator of the HAM HOUSE. A member of the society since its 1964 reorganization, Mercer served four years as the historical society secretary and five years as its president.
Deeply involved with the history of this area, Mercer actively participated in the society's Building and Sites Committee which gives annual awards to home or business owners who have restored the historic Integrity of their property. Mercer's efforts led to the DUBUQUE CITY HALL being placed on the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES in 1972. She was the historian of the Living Landmarks Project of the DUBUQUE COUNTY FINE ARTS SOCIETY, work in which she trained guides of the DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE.
Among the many awards given Mercer for her civic activities was the first Every Woman's Day award from CLARKE COLLEGE in 1976 for her work in historic preservation. In 1980 she was elected to the Board of Trustees of the State Historical Society. The same year she received a Certificate of Commendation from the American Association for State and Local History. Presented on September 5, 1980, the award was given for her "long and distinguished service to historical and preservation organization and causes in the community." She received the first Helen Mercer Historic Preservation Award, named in her honor, from the Dubuque County Historical Society on January 8, 1986. The award was made "in recognition for her dedication to preserving Dubuque history."
In June 1991 Mercer was recognized by the State Historical Society as having nominated more buildings and sites to the National Register than anyone else in the State of Iowa.