ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – The Arlington Heights Park District is set to receive $30,000 to make improvements to the 1908 Banta House, thanks to support from State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

“Historical places, like the Banta House, must be preserved so our neighbors can appreciate the rich history of our community,” Gillespie said. “This investment will fund needed upgrades to the Banta House and restore the historic home so it can be used for years to come.”

Overseen by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program is open to any museum operated by a local government or built on municipally owned land. The maximum grant award for projects is $750,000, and matching funds are often required based on museum attendance.

The program will distribute a total of $19.7 million in grants to 36 Illinois museums for facility improvement and development of new exhibits.

“Museums are an important economic driver and point of pride in communities throughout Illinois,” said Colleen Callahan, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “Providing funding for capital improvements and exciting new exhibits helps to create jobs, attract more visitors, and boost local tourism.”

Investments for the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program are funded by Rebuild Illinois. More information about the program is available here.