There are currently 1,600 acres of land within the National Historic Landmark (NHL) Boundary of Cahokia Mounds that are not protected by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. This land contains archaeological evidence of the ancient Mississippian culture that once lived here and is susceptible to commercial development, bulldozing and the loss of important cultural heritage.

Since 2000 the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society has been purchasing land from willing sellers at a fair price. Once reclaimed, the land is donated to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which has agreed to protect and maintain this property in perpetuity. Our goal is to return the NHL boundary to green space — reminiscent of how it was 1,000 years ago when occupied by 10-20 thousand Mississippian people.

We are asking for individuals and organizations to help us Reclaim Cahokia by making a charitable contribution. Your investment in CMMS will help ensure that the more than 300,000 men, women, and children that come to Cahokia Mounds each year, as well as future generations, will have access to an expanded site and a deeper understanding of those who lived at Cahokia Mounds. Your donation is tax deductible through our 501 (c) 3 corporation, the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society.

How others have helped:

• The Archaeological Conservancy: emergency acquisition of the Powell Mound Tract and Fingerhut Tract
• Boeing Employees Community Fund: has donated more than $20,000 to the Reclaiming Cahokia Fund
• Gary Stark, Stark Homes, Inc.: $62,500 to the Reclaiming Cahokia Fund
• Illinois First Grant initiated by Senator (retired) Evelyn Bowles: $250,000 grant which allowed the purchase of 21 lots
• Rick Jones: donation of demolition work
• Leo Konzen: years of pro bono legal services
• Marvin and Susan Webb: donated their property to the Reclaiming Cahokia Program
• The Open Space Council St. Louis: $25,000 for demolition of a warehouse that sits on the site
• Paul and Mary Chucalo: donated their personal property that features the Chucalo Mound
• Numerous other generous donors

Any of the following gifting opportunities will help CMMS attain its goal of reclaiming unprotected land within the National Historic Landmark Boundary of Cahokia Mounds:

Cash Donations
Most gifts to the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society are in the form of a cash or check payment. Please make checks payable to CMMS. Checks can be mailed to 30 Ramey Dr. Collinsville IL 62234. Your donations are tax deductible. All donations will be recognized in the Museum Society's quarterly newsletter, Cahokian and on our website cahokiamounds.com. Any donor above $500 will be have the opportunity to bring a group of up to ten to have lunch and tour the site and interpretive center with a professional archaeologist.

Donated Services
Gifts of donated services are extremely valuable to CMMS. Once property is bought by CMMS, all structures must be removed before being placed under the protection of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Therefore, demolition work is currently a premier Cahokia Mounds need.

Gifts of Appreciated Property
With careful planning, charitable gifts of long term appreciated securities or real estate can create very favorable tax benefits for you - such as the elimination of paying long-term capital gains tax or receiving an income tax charitable contribution.

Bequests
Gifts through wills and bequests can provide you with the opportunity to honor and sustain your family name at Cahokia Mounds. In 2005 the Leona Franklin Estate endowed the William Iseminger Intern Fund, assuring the quality learning experiences for college students in perpetuity.

Life Income/Charitable Trusts
Charitable trusts offer an opportunity to make a substantial gift to CMMS without forfeiting the annual income produced by these assets. You will retain income for your life and the life of your spouse. This gift can also be structured to create a substantial tax break over a period of years.