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Featured Articles

  1. Article number 1 - Experience History
  2. Article number 2 - Research History
  3. Article number 3 - Preserve History
  4. Article number 4 - Get Involved
  5. Article number 5 - About Us
  6. Article number 6 - Fun Stuff

  • Experience History imageExperience History

    The state operates dozens of historic sites, museums and monuments where visitors can learn the stories of Illinois. Experience life in a frontier fort. Walk the halls where Abraham Lincoln rose to greatness. See the remnants of a Native American city.

  • Research History ImageResearch History

    From students to family historians to professional researchers, everyone can learn something from the vast records and helpful online tools provided by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Look up an Illinois ancestor who served in the Civil War. Explore a timeline of Illinois history. Visit the Lincoln Presidential Library and examine rare documents.

    2011-2015 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.  To learn more about Illinois' role in the conflict visit the Official Illinois Civil War Sesquicentennial webpage.

  • Preserve History ImagePreserve History

    Our preservation services division helps determine which Illinois buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our staff reviews construction projects that might affect cultural resources and administer a tax incentive program for rehabilitation of historic buildings. Staff also can help communities turn their historic buildings into an economic asset.

  • Get Involved ImageGet Involved

    Our historic sites welcome volunteers, who get to learn about Illinois’ rich heritage and share it with others. You can also donate money to support our programs, apply for internships, submit manuscripts for publication and more.

  • /_layouts/bccs/wcm/images/fair_concerts.jpgAbout Us

    The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency oversees 56 historic sites and monuments, as well as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It helps people preserve historic buildings, and it protects cultural resources on public lands. It helps researchers explore records and documents that tell the story of Illinois.

  • Fun Stuff ImageFun Stuff

    Look through modern and historic photos of our sites here. Explore a timeline of Illinois history. Make your own models of historic buildings. Download the Abe App for your smartphone. Follow the agency on Facebook and Twitter.

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