Senator Neil Anderson and Representative Travis Weaver held a press conference today, urging Governor J.B. Pritzker to fund critical repairs needed to the historic state-owned buildings in Bishop Hill. Bishop Hill was founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants affiliated with the Pietist movement, led by Erik Jansson. Bishop Hill includes a museum, park, visitor center, colony church, colony store, restaurants, a hotel, and more. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) maintains the Bishop Hill Historic Site, but they require funding from the General Assembly and the Governor to make much-needed repairs to the historic buildings. The buildings have suffered because of deferred maintenance over the last 15 years due to a lack of capital funding, resulting in severe dilapidation, roof failures, and structural concerns, said Senator Neil Anderson.
Senator Neil Anderson said, “Last week, Representative Weaver and I sent a letter to the governor making our request known for the much-needed funding for the Bishop Hill Community. We have entrusted the state to maintain and preserve the four historic buildings in the park at Bishop Hill.” “As a state, we have a job to maintain our infrastructure, and it’s unfortunate that these historical buildings have been allowed to fall in such disarray.” “The continued neglect of Bishop Hill is unacceptable; we need the governor and the general assembly to prioritize funding and repair and maintain these incredibly important structures.”
State Representative Travis Weaver said, “Today we stand at a critical juncture on the preservation of our beloved Bishop Hill, a beacon of historical significance and a cornerstone of our community heritage, founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants seeking freedom.” “Unfortunately, the alarming deterioration of its historic buildings has brought us together, emphasizing an urgent call for action. Our partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has been instrumental in exploring all possible avenues to address this crisis.” “However, we’ve reached a point where the meetings need to stop and the hammers need to start swinging.” “Frankly, Governor Pritzker should be ashamed and embarrassed at his agency’s handling of these properties.”
John Taylor, a business owner in Bishop Hill and concerned citizen, said, “As we gather here today, I’m compelled to draw your attention to a matter of the utmost importance and urgency, the preservation of our cherished heritage, embodied in the historic properties owned by the state in Bishop Hill, Illinois.” “Bishop Hill is not just another forgotten corner on the map; it is an international tourist destination, drawing visitors such as the king and queen from Sweden from afar to come and immerse themselves in the captivating story and living history experience that Bishop Hill offers.” However, despite its significance, the historic state-owned properties of Bishop Hill are deteriorating before our very eyes.” “We absolutely cannot afford to lose these precious pieces of our heritage.” John Taylor urged Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly to immediately allocate the necessary funds to restore and maintain the state-owned historic buildings.
The Bishop Hill Heritage Association (BHHA) is working on restoring the historic buildings in Bishop Hill so that future generations can enjoy them. The BHHA has restored the exterior of the 1854 Steeple Building, exterior woodwork on the 1853 Colony Store, interior work and some exterior work on the 1855 Dairy Building, and the exterior of the 1851 Carpenter Building. The BHHA owns and maintains the Steeple Building, the Colony Store, the Dairy Building, the 1857 Blacksmith Shop, the 1905 Cobbler Shop, the 1851 Carpenter Building, and the 1908 Krans Livery Stable. Maintaining these buildings requires significant funding. If you would like to donate or volunteer to help the BHHA restore Bishop Hill, click here. The BHHA provides tours of historic Bishop Hill for individuals or groups.
THE MISSION OF THE BISHOP HILL HERITAGE ASSOCIATION IS TO:
- Retain Bishop Hill as a living community and to do everything within its resources to enhance its development as an historic site and desirable place to live through maintaining a natural environment.
- Encourage all efforts to restore and maintain historic properties and cultural heritage.
- Develop within our young people a sense of pride in their community, its past, present and future.
- Develop and maintain a research library of material related to the area and make this available for study.
- Maintain and encourage an active interchange of ideas with organizations of common interests and goals.
For more information, visit here.
