The National Park Service (NPS) is considering a new national historic site in Springfield.
They are currently conducting a research study on the 1908 Springfield Race Riot to see if it should become a National Historic Site.
A public forum was held on Wednesday night to provide information about the NPS special resource study.
"It'll be able to teach people the very history that Springfield is so famous for the 1908 race riots and the formation of the NAACP, the great emancipator in Abe Lincoln, as well as the history that touched around the area," said Ward 2 Alderman Shawn Gregory.
The 1908 Springfield Race Riot took place over the course of a weekend during which a large white mob targeted Black homes and businesses. Damages suffered by the African American business community are estimated at $100,000 (in 1908). In the aftermath, a total of 107 people were indicted for riot, arson, larceny, and murder.
The public comment period about the special resource study ends on September 3.
General inquiries or feedback before and after the comment period can be sent to Associate Regional Director, Tokey Boswell, tokey_boswell@nps.gov, 402-661-1720. For updates and information about this special resource study, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/springfieldsrs.
More information can be found here.