Douglas Co. school granted money to visit historic site
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Over 350 students have the chance to visit state historic sites this school year, due to funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). One of those schools is located in Douglas County.
Eighth graders from Villa Grove School District CUSD 302 have been granted $500 to pay for a trip to the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site and War Memorials at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. It's part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) State Historic Sites Field Trip Grant program.
"This program allows students to visit state historic sites throughout the state to see first-hand what they've been learning about in the classroom and to visit a place where notable historic events happened," IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said. "Students need the opportunity to experience Illinois' historical resources in person. We're pleased to be able to enhance classroom learning with these grants."
Over $4,000 was donated for 12 field trip grants. Six Illinois counties received money through the program. IDNR said the money came from private donations to IDNR state historic sites.
The IDNR State Historic Sites Field Trip Grant program first began in the 2020-2021 school year. It allows Illinois teachers to apply for money to take students on a field trip to a state historic site. The money covers bus transportation.
To learn more about the IDNR State Historic Sites Field Trip Grant program, contact the IDNR Division of Education at or 217-524-4126. To donate, visit the Illinois Conservation Foundation .
IDNR State Historic Sites Field Trip Grant awardees:Cook County
Douglas County
DuPage County
Madison County
Peoria County
Union County
