OLD FORT PROJECT

Old Fort Group has survey needs

Old Fort Preservation, Inc, wants input on planning from community.

The above QR Code takes readers to a brief survey on input around the Old Fort Preservation efforts in Fort Madison. Readers and residents are encouraged to take the survey

Courtesy image

Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2026 4:52 pm

PCC Staff

FORT MADISON - Old Fort Madison Preservation, Inc. (OFMP) wants to know what you think.
To that end, the local nonprofit organization working to restore the Old Fort Madison and construct a new Living History Center, has set up a brief survey asking participants their views on the group’s mission; what role the fort plays in the community, economic development and tourism; what programs and options should be added and/or given top priority, etc.
To give input, one can take the survey by scanning the accompanying QR code or go to https://forms.gle/NJ5moaPssyJ1kkCr7

One will also have an opportunity to learn more about OFMP’s $3.5 million project this weekend. OFMP will have a booth, along with MichBrys’ Food trailer, down at the Old Fort site in Riverview Park 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, as part of the 2026 Love Lee County Tour.
Old Fort Madison Preservation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit designated to reconstruction and reopen Old Fort Madison and build a new Living History Center in Fort Madison’s Riverview Park.
The first phase of OFMP’s project will consist of removing existing structures off their foundations to raise all buildings 4 feet above the floodplain to protect again future flood damage. The buildings will then be returned to their 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 Center - that will be built at the site of the old factory 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 revolving displays related to local history on a variety of topics, such as the railroad history, the women’s suffrage movement, Native Americans, the civil rights era and movement, Prohibition, local and area residents’ participation in the nation’s wars, visiting celebrities and more.