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State Historic Sites Closed But Not Abandoned
Some state historic sites across the state remain closed but are still being staffed at a minimum.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich ordered 11 sites, including the Carl Sandburg birthplace in Galesburg and the Bishop Hill State Historic site in Henry County, closed December 1st because of a lack of funding in the state budget.

Dave Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, says while the sites are closed, they are staffed minimally for security and maintenance reasons. He says the fate of the sites from this point is in the hands of the state's lawmakers.

"We certainly hope that it's not a permanent closure, but whether or not that is certain remains to be seen based on what the Illinois General Assembly does in the coming budget negotiations."

Two sites have been able to keep their doors open because of local support. The David Davis Mansion in Bloomington and the Vandalia State House both received local financial support to remain open until June. Even though many of the sites remain closed, Blanchette says there are still opportunities to learn more about the sites and the history behind them through the Internet.

LINK: www.illinoishistory.gov
01 05 09 by Newsroom
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