Rock Island Today

State Representatives Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) and Travis Weaver (R-Edwards) recently advocated for increased state funding to maintain historic sites in northwestern Illinois. The Carl Sandburg Birthplace historic site is located in Swanson’s 71st District, and prior to redistricting, Swanson represented the area around the Bishop Hill Historic Site, which is now under Weaver's representation.

“In my area, it used to be part of my district, we have Bishop Hill that was just listed on the Most Endangered Historic Sites in Illinois, and Carl Sandburg Birthplace in Galesburg is in great disrepair,” Swanson said. “I’ve had both (Department of Natural Resources) Director (Colleen) Callahan, I’ve also had the Lieutenant Governor out to look at the sites, but we sure need some funding for those sites, and I would hope that if this legislation passed that this board will have the authority to help guide funding to the needed sites.”

Bishop Hill was listed this spring on Landmarks Illinois’ list of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. The preservation group stated that the site was “threatened since the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has not been provided with sufficient funding to properly maintain the site.”

“State-owned properties like The Carl Sandburg Birthplace and Bishop Hill have been neglected and deprioritized for too long,” Weaver said. “I am optimistic this legislation will help these properties get the attention they need.”

Swanson’s and Weaver’s comments were made during a House floor debate on Senate Bill 2976. The bill proposes creating a State Historic Preservation Board to advise the Department of Natural Resources on methods to assist, protect, conserve, and manage Illinois’ recognized State Historic Sites. Both representatives aimed to ensure that historic sites ranked higher in priority would receive state funding first. The bill passed with both Swanson and Weaver voting in favor.

Residents of the 71st District can find more information about legislative activities and upcoming events on Rep. Swanson’s website at repswanson.com. Rep. Weaver serves the 93rd District; additional details are available at repweaver.com.