The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of U.S. sites, generally more than 50 years old, that deserve special attention and preservation. Each county in Illinois is home to at least one historic district or special site listed. On Feb. 7, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced 30 Illinois properties that were added to the National Register of Historic Places throughout 2018. The properties range from community art centers and high schools to firehouses and churches.
Scroll through to see 10 of the Illinois properties that have been recently added to the list. You can also take a look at last year's additions here and learn more about the National Register application process here.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Marion County
This Methodist Episcopal church in Salem, completed in 1907 and remodeled in 1968, is significant for both its architecture and art. Originally designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the interior remodeling was completed under the direction of interior decorator and church member Vi Mueller. Mueller repurposed a variety of common materials to recreate the church’s unique interior, including paper egg cartons, cardboard carpet tubes, distressed marble and linoleum tiles. For the colorful alcove, 15,000 pieces of wood were dipped in 89 vibrant colors to create an incredible display at little expense.