Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
At Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, a reconstructed village near Petersburg, Illinois, visitors step back into the early adulthood of Abraham Lincoln. Nurture is leading the revitalization of the visitor center, outdoor theater, concessions stand, sound and lighting booth, and supporting structures, uniting preservation efforts with functional upgrades.
The visitor center’s fire suppression system is being modernized while the outdoor theater undergoes extensive safety and structural improvements. Seating is being replaced with durable, ADA-compliant materials, and wooden elements including the stage, stairways, projection booth, backdrops, and storage buildings are being repaired or carefully restored and weatherproofed to protect against further deterioration.
The work also includes design and installation of new performance lighting and audio systems for both indoor and outdoor theaters, replacement of walkway lighting, and construction of a new concrete block retaining wall behind the stage. Accessibility routes from the parking area are being upgraded to meet the 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code.
These interventions improve safety, functionality, and audience experience while preserving the historic character of the site, creating a resilient and engaging environment for performances and visitors alike.