Dear ________________

Tourists and school children traveling throughout Illinois in the future may find many of our state historic sites closed. These landmarks might include Bloomington’s David Davis Mansion, the Mt. Pulaski Courthouse, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana Thomas House in Springfield, and Bishop Hill’s Swedish colony site—to name but a few. Their future is in grave doubt, due to severe cuts in the state budget of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Many of the threatened sites tell the story of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy in Illinois. How sad it is to think that the state of Illinois would actually shut the doors of these historic places, while we are preparing to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of America’s greatest president.

Everyone recognizes that we are living in tough economic times. But cutting access to historic sites will significantly diminish the educational opportunities that citizens have to learn about their past. What are we telling our children when we close the places that provide an authentic way to experience first-hand the story of America’s genuine heroes?

There are also important financial reasons for keeping our historic sites open. According to Dave Blanchette of the IHPA, “these are not just educational sites; they are also tremendous economic engines for the communities in which they are located.” When historic sites are closed, fewer tourism dollars are available to be spent in the restaurants, hotels, stores, and businesses located in these communities. Closing Lincoln sites, such as the David Davis Mansion, is particularly ill-timed—when so many economic opportunities will be lost, just as the Lincoln Bicentennial year is approaching.

I urge you to take immediate action to restore public funding for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Let your constituents know that you very much value our state’s illustrious past and especially our important Lincoln legacy.

Sincerely,

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