A town of just 135 people is being recognized alongside Chicago, Springfield, and other large cities in Illinois, for its historical preservation efforts. The Bishop Hill Heritage Association is one of nine groups across the state to receive the Richard Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award.
Administrator Todd DeDecker says the Heritage Association has been awarded for its most recent projects, including the restoration of four pre-Civil War buildings. Bishop Hill raised one-million-dollars to repair the landmarks, with the same materials originally used in the 1800s.
DeDecker was surprised to receive the award, but says, in part, it was given because of how quickly the projects were completed.
He says the group raised funds from all over the country, and even Sweden, to help preserve the Colony Store, Steeple Building, and Dairy Building.
The Bishop Hill Heritage Association will receive 500-dollars and a trophy, at a special ceremony next month in Chicago. DeDecker says the winners will also speak at a panel discussion about historical preservation in Illinois.
The Bishop Hill Heritage Association has been working since 1962, to collect historic artifacts and preserve 18 original colony buildings.