Mid-Century Architecture in Dubuque

Dubuque County Historic Preservation Commissioner Tricia J. Baum will present on mid-century modern architecture in the City of Dubuque and around Dubuque County.

The mid-20th century was a time of technological innovation and unprecedented growth in the American economy and population. The distinctive architecture of the 1940s-60s reflects these changes and the era’s emerging values, including new ideas of what it meant to live the American Dream. Today, these buildings serve as a physical connection to an important period in our history. This presentation gives an overview of the types of mid-century buildings that can be found in Dubuque County, and the characteristics to look for in identifying them.

Tricia Baum is a native Dubuquer who moved back in 2019 and now works as an architectural historian and preservation consultant. She has a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Dubuque County Historic Preservation Commission (DCHPC) was created by resolution of the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors in November 1987. The mission of DCHPC is to preserve historically important buildings, structures, and other objects that contribute to Dubuque County’s character.