State Representative Travis Weaver (IL-93) are urging the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker to set aside funds in the 2024 budget for critical repairs needed at the Bishop Hill State Historic Site.
The Bishop Hill State Historic Site in Henry County is a small village that includes a beautiful array of historic buildings, memorials, a park, and gazebo. The settlement dates back to 1846, when the community was founded by Swedish immigrants fleeing religious persecution.
The Bishop Hill site includes a Visitor Center, Museum, Park, Colony Church, and Hotel. The Bishop Hill Heritage Association (BHAA) works to retain Bishop Hill as a living community while encouraging all efforts to restore and maintain historic properties and cultural heritage. The BHHA also provides guided tours for large groups, and visitors can also enjoy self-guided tours.
However, the buildings are in desperate need of attention and repairs. They’re maintained by a state agency, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), but they require funding from the General Assembly and Governor to be able to make these repairs. The buildings have suffered through years of deferred maintenance, leading to foundation cracks, water leaks, rotting soffits and windowsills, and other issues.
“Governor Pritzker should be embarrassed by his agency’s ability to care for historic buildings,” said Rep. Weaver. “Several decades ago, the state decided to take ownership of the Bishop Hill historic properties in order to preserve them; however, since then, they have allowed these buildings to nearly fall into total disrepair. Illinois Democrats will scream about a lack of funding – but make no mistake, this is 5% about funding and 95% about poor management from the Pritzker administration. It doesn’t take much funding to ensure windows are sealed and gutters are working properly, which prevents buildings from falling into ruin.”
