McHenry Co. Historic Preservation Commission releases rural survey results

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission, with the consulting staff of the Public Service Archaeology & Architecture Program of the University of Illinois, have completed a survey of historic structures in unincorporated northern and western McHenry County under the direction of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

This program receives federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The survey work was undertaken between September 2014 and May 2015, and the survey analysis and report was written and reviewed during the summer and fall of 2015. This project updates previous surveys conducted during the 1970s and 1980s but in a more comprehensive manner and takes stock of the changes that have occurred over the years.

This survey also adds to surveys of the southern and eastern townships undertaken in 1998-1999 and 2002-2003.

Townships surveyed for the 2014-2015 project include Alden, Chemung, Dunham, Hartland, Hebron, Marengo, Riley, and Seneca, offering a better understanding of what historic structures still remain in the county and to portray this "snapshot-in-time" historically as they ascertain how these old farmsteads and rural sites have evolved through time.

If you have any questions, contact Sean Foley at hpc@co.mchenry.il.us.

The report of completed survey, as well as past survey reports, have been posted to the county's website www.co.mchenry.il.us/HPC, then click on the "Rural Survey" button in the left column.