As I travel across the state the past several weeks, I have witness historic sites and societies pleading their cases to the public about their financial needs. Historic places, such as the Ronald Reagan House in Dixon and Starved Rock Park, have been in the news describing their need for additional funding. Thus, I believe that it is time for us to speak up as well. It is time for us to stand up for the Bishop Hill State Historic Site.
The Bishop Hill State Historic Site consist of the Bishop Hill State Museum, Bjorklund Hotel, park, Boys Dormitory, Colony Church, and several other buildings. Due to past budget impasses in Springfield, much needed maintenance and repairs have been postponed again and again on these Colony buildings, especially the Colony Church. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages the state historic sites now, including the Bishop Hill State Historic Site.
For those of us who believe strongly in preserving the heritage of the Bishop Hill Colony, it is time to let the DNR in Springfield know that we also care about our history and request that additional funding be budgeted to the Bishop Hill State Historic Site for building repairs. Please contact the DNR by whatever medium you are most comfortable with, thru their Facebook Page, their website at dnr.illinois.gov, by phone 217-782-6302 or by letter. Please address all correspondence to the head of the DNR, Director Colleen Callahan. Below, I have attached a sample form letter that you can adapt to your needs. The more people speak up, the more likely action will be taken. If we don’t speak up for our history and for the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, who will?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Todd DeDecker, BHHA Administrator
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