Upcoming Projects at the Interpretive Center – Lori Belknap, Site Superintendent
The lineup of approved projects at the site is moving forward, despite repeated delays. Several projects were approved to take place in recent years but the pandemic and the resulting budget crises within our State Agencies, production constraints, and inflation have impacted the planning and bidding processes in complex ways. These factors have impacted our projects as well as other capital projects in our region. This is why the mechanical project, which was approved in 2019, (replacement of HVAC, lighting, security, and fire safety systems) has not been completed in 2023 as it was forecast.
This project went out for bid September 2021 by the Capital Development Board, but a viable bid was not obtained. As a result, changes were made to the contract. After all the necessary reviews, modifications, and approvals by multiple stakeholders, bid documents were distributed again with a second bid opening in May 2023. Unfortunately, at this time there was only one bid, and it was almost 300% of the proposed budget. After learning that the lack of Vendor pool was largely due to the risk associated with protecting the artifacts in the Gallery, we have returned all loans to their respective owners to relieve the burden of artifact curation on potential bidders.
Currently, the project is being modified for a 3rd time, and we hope it will be bid out again by the end of the year. The roof project has been completed on schedule. We are also in the process of putting out for bid a new vault toilet which will be installed near the Monks Mound parking lot and should be completed by the end of the year. We have contracted to have the entire public space inside the IC repainted in October of 2023. Plans are in process to convert our technology over to Voice Over IP and add security cameras throughout the building. This project has a target of completion by the end of 2024. In addition to these projects, the demolition of Grandpa’s Warehouse has been moved up the project list by IDNR engineering and we should see this demolition take place within the next 2 years. I understand the frustration with our world-class Interpretive Center being closed far beyond our projected date, however, there are many factors involved with these large-scale projects and many are beyond our control. I ask for your patience and continued support as we do our best to make necessary improvements to our facility as expeditiously as possible.
Local Podcast Series Features Cahokia Mounds Agriculture
“Uncovering Cahokia’s Food History & Forgotten Farmscapes.”
2023 Membership Drive! – Now through September 30!
The Cahokia Mounds Museum Society (CMMS) NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Join, Renew, or increase your membership now through September 30, during our Annual Membership Drive. CMMS relies on donations, gift shop sales, and membership dues to fund the entire calendar year of events at Cahokia Mounds. Your gift supports the mission of preservation and interpretation at Cahokia Mounds. Together, with you as a member, we are acquiring unprotected portions of this ancient metropolis, providing educational programs, and supporting Native arts.
Anyone who joins, renews or increases at any level during the drive receives the standard membership benefits including a one-year subscription to the Cahokian quarterly newsletter, a 10% discount on all items purchased in the Museum Gift Shop, as well as a chance to be entered in one of two raffle drawings to take place on October 2.
Raffle Prizes
- An Archaeologist Guided Golf Cart Tour of Cahokia Mounds, valued at $1,000 for up to five people.
- Tote bag of Cahokia Mounds souvenirs valued at $400.
Membership Levels
- Click HERE to join, renew, or increase online,
- or over the phone by contacting 618-344-7316.
Cahokia Mounds Museum Society Wins Prestigious 2023 AASLH Award of Excellence!
The Cahokia Mounds Museum Society (CMMS) is honored to announce the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) has selected us as a 2023 Award of Excellence winner by the Leadership in History Awards Committee for Back to the City of The Sun: An Augmented Reality Experience. This year, AASLH conferred fifty-one national awards honoring people, projects, and exhibits that represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.
The AR tour application process began in 2018, with the goal of seeking funding for a more sophisticated and contemporary interpretive experience for our visitors. In 2019, the CMMS was awarded a $100,00 Digital Projects for the Public Prototyping grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This phase was a planning stage for the larger technology project to come. In November of 2019, the CMMS was awarded a $250,000 Digital Projects for the Public Production grant to produce a fully functional program by the end of 2021. Working in tandem with the team at Schwartz & Associates Creative, the CMMS launched the first phase of the project in December of 2021, with the Monks Mound Tour. The second phase was launched shortly after in February of 2022, with the inclusion of the Grand Plaza Tour.
The Cahokia AR Tour is a cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) experience offering visitors a glimpse of what Cahokia might have looked like over one thousand years ago. Purchase the application from either the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone or the Google Play Store for all other smart devices. The Monks Mound tour begins at the AR map near the Monks Mound parking lot. The Grand Plaza Tour begins at the AR map just behind the Interpretive Center. For each tour visitors will scan waypoints with their smart device camera to activate the AR images. By looking at their device visitors will see video on their screen of what that specific waypoint might have looked like from the initial development of Cahokia to Present Day.
This audio-visual program will enhance the visitor experience, which is critical during our extended renovation closure. Thank you to AASLH for this esteemed honor and congratulations to the CMMS and Schwartz & Associates Creative for all their hard work and determination in seeing this project through and developing a program that interprets Cahokia Mounds like never before!
*The Cahokia AR Tour is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for $4.99.
About AASLH
The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), a national nonprofit association, provides leadership and resources to help the history community thrive and make the past more meaningful for all people. AASLH serves the tens of thousands of history organizations, professionals, and volunteers around the country who help people of all ages develop critical thinking skills and understand how learning history helps society make progress toward justice. Through research, advocacy, and our field-leading professional development program, AASLH advances public history practice and connects history practitioners to critical issues in the field and to one another. For more information about AASLH visit www.aaslh.org.
*For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203, or go to www.aaslh.org.
Indian Market Days Happening June 3 & 4, 2023
Cahokia Archaeological Society (CAS) Meeting & Program
Guided Tours Resume!
Guided Tours and Informational Talks will begin May 3rd on the grounds at Cahokia Mounds. Tours and Talks are by appointment only and are as follows:
Wednesday at 1 pm: Tour of The Grand Plaza. Meet in front of Interpretive Center.
Thursday at 1 pm: Tour of Monks Mound. Meet in MM parking lot near water fountain.
Friday at 1 pm: Informational talk in front of Interpretive Center.
Saturday at 1 pm: Informational talk in front of Interpretive Center.
Sunday at 1 pm: Tour of The Grand Plaza. Meet in front of Interpretive Center.
Tours and talks will last 45 minutes – 1 hour. To schedule, call 618-346-5160. There is no charge for these services.
The Interpretive Center will remain closed during all talks and tours. Gift Shop may be available during tour times, check with Interpretive Center staff to schedule time in the Gift Shop.
The Grand Plaza Tour will be on flat terrain with partial sidewalk. The Monks Mound tour will go up the 156 steps to the top of Monks Mound.
Informational talk will be a 30-45 minute talk covering the general information of our site.
Cahokia Mounds Hiring Seasonal Staff
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is hiring seasonal ground maintenance and interpretive staff. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in Parks Management and get a World Heritage Site on your resume. These are full-time positions for a 6-month duration. Pay is $15 per hour. Hours are 7 am – 3 Pm, days will vary. Applicants MUST be at least 17 years of age and have a valid Driver’s License. Here is the link for one of the positions: CONSERVATION/HISTORIC PRESERVATION WORKER (illinois.jobs2web.com) The two Position IDs are # 24647 (for Maintenance) and # 24658 (for Interpretive.) Please do NOT send resume’s or letters via Facebook or email. Anyone wishing to be considered MUST apply online through the illinois.jobs2web.com, no other methods will be acknowledged.
For more information or questions, please contact Superintendent Lori Belknap at Lori.Belknap@Illinois.gov.
Spring Cover Photo Contest Results!
Cahokia Mounds hiring Conservation Education Representative
Cahokia Mounds is seeking a temporary seasonal position that will not exceed six months to augment permanent staff during the peak season. This Conservation Education Representative position will fill the need of developing, executing, and presenting programs, activities and events to the general public, school groups, and special interest groups. Prepares and delivers educational information designed to instill appreciation of Cahokia Mounds. Minimum qualifications are; requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of 4 years of college, with courses in English or public speaking. Must be able to pass background check, have a valid driver’s license, and have the ability to travel.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the Illinois.jobs2web.com website and search for Posting Identification Number 12-35-24113. For more information contact Lori at 618-346-5164.
Spring Cover Photo Contest 2023
The Cahokia Mounds Museum Society (CMMS) is looking to you for a Spring-time photo of the site to use as a cover photo for the next issue of the quarterly newsletter the Cahokian. Photos can be from any year as long as you are the photographer. A first-place winner and honorable mention will be selected. First place will have their photo as the cover of the Cahokian and will receive a $50 gift certificate for the online gift shop. Honorable mention will have their photo featured inside the Cahokian and will receive a $25 gift certificate to the online gift shop. The Spring issue of the Cahokian is anticipated to be in homes by April 1, 2023.
Cahokia Mounds Annual Holiday Market
The Cahokia Mounds Annual Holiday Market will be at the Gateway Convention Center.
Over 25 Native American artists sell Native American arts and crafts. Items include: Jewelry, Painting, Sculpture, Beadwork, Ceramics, and more!
November 25th through November 27th, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9-5.
Gateway Convention Center
1 Gateway Drive,
Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 344-9221 / (618) 344-7316
Cahokia Mounds Shirts Are On Sale!
The Cahokia Mounds Gift Shop is having a great sale on all of our shirts! Shirts are on sale from between six and twelve dollars. If you’d like to help support this World Heritage Site during our renovations—and show off your support in style—go to https://cahokiamounds.org/shop/ and search for Shirts.
Please specify your desired size when you order.