Springfield, IL – Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County is set to receive an $8 million investment for restoration and improvements, state officials announced Wednesday. The funding, made possible by Governor JB Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, will help restore up to 23 log buildings and upgrade the site’s outdoor theater.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the investment aims to preserve the historic village where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837. The site, a popular educational and tourist destination, attracted nearly 360,000 visitors in 2023.
“This funding ensures that families can continue to experience New Salem’s rich history for generations to come,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.
The new funding follows nearly $3 million in recent improvements, including roof repairs, new HVAC systems at the visitor center, and infrastructure upgrades like bridge replacements and road improvements.
Built in the 1930s as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, New Salem features historic buildings, a visitor center, and a 500-seat outdoor theater. Officials expect the enhancements to improve the site’s visitor experience, including events like the annual candlelight walk in October, a highlight of the fall season.
