Forgotten Illinois 200

Lessons of Place

Photographing Endangered Historic Sites in Illinois

For Forgotten Illinois Liz Chilsen researched and created photographs at endangered historic sites in Illinois seeking to answer the core question: “What can these endangered sites tell us about the ever-evolving identity of our state?”

Using Landmarks Illinois’ 2018 list of Endangered Historic Sites as a basis, Chilsen created visual stories and shared them via exhibitions, public programs, and online media publications. Carrying out this project, Chilsen strives to know these places more deeply, to better understand their contributions to our state’s history and identity, and to share this understanding broadly, engaging new audiences in the dialog.

Beecher Mausoleum

Buncombe – Trail of Tears Encampment

Carbondale – Fuller Dome Home

Des Plaines – United Methodist Campground

The Waldorf Tabernacle in the Des Plaines United Methodist Campground.
Model of the Waldorf Tabernacle
Model of the Waldorf Tabernacle
Des Plaines, Illinois
A period map shows how summer camp homes were arranged around the central Waldorf Tabernacle at the Des Plaines Methodist Campground.
The Waldorf Tabernacle in the Des Plaines United Methodist Campground.
The Waldorf Tabernacle in the Des Plaines United Methodist Campground.
The Waldorf Tabernacle in the Des Plaines United Methodist Campground.
The Waldorf Tabernacle in the Des Plaines United Methodist Campground.
What preservationists are up against at the Waldorf Tabernacle: see that high water mud line running across the bottom section of the screens? That marks the level of a flood from the nearby Des Plaines river.
The Waldorf Tabernacle in the Des Plaines United Methodist Campground.

Edwardsville – N.O. Nelson Manufacturing Complex

Evanston – Harley Clarke House

Fairmont City – Nite Spot Café

Freeport – Oakdale Chautauqua Building

Galesburg – Central Congregational Church

Glenview – Wagner Farm

Greenview – Marbold Farmstead

Millstadt Milling & Feed Company

Oregon – “The Eternal Indian”

Shelbyville – Chautauqua Tabernacle