Funds Being Released for Improvements at New Salem State Historic Site

The New Salem State Historic Site is now slated to receive an infusion of funding to perform major repairs, following the work of State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville), and members of the Lincoln League volunteer organization to draw attention to the condition of the site.

“I am proud that our work secured funding to make desperately needed repairs at the site,” said Senator McClure. “This is an important step toward restoring what is one of the most important historic sites in the country. People come from around the world to tour the Lincoln sites in our great state and this will help us to showcase the site where President Lincoln began his career in public service.”

“I would like to thank the Department of Natural Resources and the Capital Development Board for prioritizing funding to make desperately needed repairs,” said Representative Rosenthal. “The funding provided ensures that future generations will be able to experience the place where Abraham Lincoln lived, learned, and became one of our nation’s greatest leaders.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) Wednesday jointly announced $8 million in funding for repairs at the site. According to the agencies, the funding will be used to make repairs to up to 23 log buildings, as well as updates for the outdoor theater.

The announcement follows recent press conferences and media tours put together by McClure, Rosenthal, and the Lincoln League to raise awareness of the conditions of many of the structures on the site, including collapsed roofs, structural issues, and a failing elevated pedestrian walkway. 

“Today’s funding announcement of $8 million in state capital funding for Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is greatly appreciated and sorely needed,” said Gina Gillmore-Wolter, President of the New Salem Lincoln League representing volunteers committed for decades to preserving the historic legacy of the site near Springfield where Lincoln spent formative years as a young adult. “We sincerely thank Gov. Pritzker’s Administration, IDNR, CDB and the tireless commitment of champions in the Legislature Sen. Steve McClure and Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, who represent the New Salem site, for working to address the urgent infrastructure issues at this site. We have called clearly and loudly for help, and we believe this announcement shows those calls have been heard. We need now to work with the Administration to ensure the funds can be released quickly so repairs can be made before more damage is done to the homes and buildings at New Salem. We will also work closely with Sen. McClure, Rep. Rosenthal and the Legislature on the best path forward for our legislative package to address the needs at the site today, tomorrow, and for many generations to come.”

McClure and Rosenthal are also working to pass legislation designed to help preserve the long-term sustainability of the site.

• Senate Bill 1417 – Creates the New Salem Preservation Commission with 13 members to develop plans for addressing repairs and improvements at the New Salem site
• Senate Bill 1496 – Appropriates additional funding for New Salem site improvements
• Senate Bill 1861 – Creates an exemption from the state Procurement Code for purchases needed at New Salem to expedite the repair process.