This petition is in regards to grave concerns about the condition of state-owned structures in Bishop Hill operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Due to a lack of capital funding for vital repairs/restoration for over 15 years, deferred maintenance has resulted in the poor appearance, and in some cases, failure of roofs and other building components in the following structures and facilities:

 The 1848 Colony Church
 The 1852 Bjorklund Hotel
 The Olson Barn (the only Colony barn remaining)
 The 1847 Ox Boy’s Dormitory 
 The 1849 Colony Park and Colony-style fence

As a result, our history is sadly falling into severe disrepair each day. These structures were built by the hands of Swedish immigrants in a unique Swedish-American style to showcase their communal culture.  Because our nation was founded in large part by immigrants and their contributions in communities such as Bishop Hill, action must be immediately taken to preserve their heritage. 

Throughout the past 70 years, citizens have entrusted the state to serve as stewards for the maintenance and preservation of these 4 historic buildings and the park. We ask the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to make these structures and the park a priority for immediate full restoration.

Before these important artifacts disappear completely, I urge you to sign this petition to save these buildings. These structures are our most tangible reminders of connections to our past— a past where in 1846, committed and brave immigrants sought freedom in creating this city on the hill. It is our plea that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources immediately and aggressively take actions to preserve our immigrant heritage by rescuing these buildings before they fade away. 

Please share this on-line petition with anyone you think would be interested. 

What else can you do?   In addition to signing this petition, you can contact the following people and voice your concerns:

 

1.      Governor J.B. Pritzker

207 Statehouse

Springfield, IL  62706

Phone:  217-782-6830

 

2.      Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton

214 Statehouse

Springfield, IL  62706

Phone:  217-558-3085

Fax:  217-558-3086

 

3.      Natalie Phelps Finnie

1 Natural Resource Way

Springfield, IL 62706

Phone:  217-782-6302

 

4.      Michael Norris, IDNR Superintendent of State Sites

1 Natural Resources Way

Springfield, IL  62706

Phone:  217-782-6302

 

5.      Paula Martel, IDNR Land Manager

1 Natural Resources Way

Springfield, IL  62706

Phone:  217-782-6302

 

6.      Senator Neil Anderson, 47th District

208 A Capitol Building

Springfield, IL  62706

Phone:  217-782-5957

 

7.      Representative Travis Weaver, 93rd District

228-N Stratton Office Building

Springfield, IL  62706

Phone:  217-782-8152

 

8.      Congressman Darin LaHood, 16th District

100 NE Monroe Street

Room 100

Peoria, IL  61602

Phone:  309-671-7027

Fax:  309-671-7309

 

9.  Scott Roman, Site Superintendent Bishop Hill State Historic Site/Blackhawk State Historic Site/Carl Sandburg State Historic Site 

1510 46th Ave

Rock Island IL, 61201

Phone;  309-788-0177

E-mail:  scott.roman@illinois.gov

 

 

The time for change is now!  

Sincerely,

Courtney M. Stone, concerned Bishop Hill citizen

E-mail:  courtneystone0@gmail.com

Cell phone:  309-540-0541