Connection Bank adds $100K to OFMP effort

FORT MADISON - With its own history going back to 1854 and rooted as the first banking institution in the state of Iowa, it’s only fitting that Connection Bank is among the first to step forward with a sizeable contribution to preserve a significant part of Fort Madison’s history.
Connection Bank has pledged $100,000 to the Old Fort Madison Preservation (OFMP) to support its efforts to repair, reconstruct and revitalize Old Fort Madison and build a new Living History Center.
Throughout its 172-year history, and all the evolution that came with it, there has been a notable constant.  Connection Bank has an enduring legacy of supporting community projects and embracing history, education and economic growth in Southeast Iowa.
“Having a deep commitment to the communities we serve, is a founding principle of Connection Bank. When our communities thrive, whether it be through tourism, economic development or quality of life, it gives all individuals opportunities to thrive. Our investment in the revitalization of the Old Fort brings prospects in all three areas,” says Matt Morris, President and CEO of Connection Bank.
To say that OFMP is appreciative of Connection Bank’s monetary support would be an understatement. At this stage, this gift and others like it will soon make OFMP’s two-phase dream a reality.
“The wonderful shareholders and staff of Connection Bank have brought this amazing addition to our city much closer to a reality,” says OFMP President Bill Napier. “Their generous support is an example of Connection Bank’s tradition of being a catalyst for growth in the community. We, at OPMP, are deeply appreciative of their support and encouragement.”
 The first phase of OFMP’s project will consist of removing existing structures off their foundations to raise all buildings four feet above the floodplain to protect against future flood damage. The buildings will then be returned to their new foundations and repaired, in addition to the reconstruction of the blockhouse, the enlisted men’s barracks and the Palisade stockade that were at the site before structural safety issues resulted in their demolition.

The second phase will bring a new asset to Fort Madison’s most significant landmark – the Living History Center - that will be built at the site of the old factory “trading post” building and will house ADA accessible and modern restrooms, exhibition space for fort-related and local historical artifacts and year-round use for programs and activities. One area will be earmarked for interactive and revolving displays related to local history on a variety of topics.
“The entire fort and Living History Center will tell the unlimited inspiring events that make up our Great American Story, using authentic and state of the art methods to ensure an always fresh offering of experiences, aimed at numerous returns during the full year and for all ages,” Napier adds.
Napier says OFMP has collected more than 70% of its $3.5 million goal for the project, with several grant applications pending.
Support for the project has been nothing short of miraculous with a $700,000 pledge from OFMP Board Member Dana Rheinschmidt and her brother, Tim Coffie, as well as a $420,000 in-kind donation from Meller Excavating and Asphalt to donate load, haul, spread and tamp down the certified clay to raise the fort property four feet and for some useable stockade posts that were removed in 2024.
City and OFMP representatives are in the process of doing an inventory of City-owned artifacts, materials and supplies related to the fort and its operations using a new inventory/cataloging system purchased by OFMP.
The OFMP Building Committee is finalizing architectural plans, and a new user-friendly web site is now up and running at www.HistoricaOldFortMadison and, while the OFMP Events Committee has enjoyed success over the last 12 months, it is working on a schedule to do even more in 2027.