Bishop Hill State Historic Site Renovation Update 10/25/2026
Meetings between Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Capital Development Board, and JLK architects discussing the 50% drawings are still ongoing. On August 25th, Jeff Nevins hosted a public meeting to answer questions and concerns about the Museum and Olson Barn. In the meeting Jeff asked about your interest in interpreting a basement room of the Colony Church. The responses we received were positive, so we are working with JLK’s architects to see how this can be best accomplished. More information to come.
JLK architects and BCA conservators visited Bishop Hill twice in September, completing further surveys and surface sampling. More was learned about the finishing techniques used in the Church, Hotel, and Boys’ Dorm, including new-found spatter painting!
Next project milestones remain the same: 75% drawings are due later this year and 100% drawings are due in the spring.
We are still on schedule with the other project milestones:
1. May 2027: Drawings finalized
2. June 2027: Project goes out for contractors to bid
3. September 2027: Construction begins
Museum HVAC repairs have been completed. Surface cleaning is still out to bid, with discussions of object cleaning still ongoing. IDNR is exploring in-house and contracted solutions for stabilizing the Olson Barn. Again, more information to come.
That is all for now. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Ryley Lamb
Site Services Specialist II
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
w. 309-927-3890
c. 309-489-1440