Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently announced the 13 recipients of federal historic preservation grants from the United States Department of the Interior to help histories "come alive" in specific communities throughout the state. In total, award winners will split $138,000 to cover the costs of various projects, reports The Associated Press.

"Illinois enjoys a rich heritage which our residents can experience every day. As Yogi Berra once noted, 'You can observe a lot just by watching!" said Governor Pat Quinn, in an announcement about the grants, as quoted by WIFR-TV. "This innovative partnership will help our sense of history come alive in 13 communities and one county, and I congratulate their local leaders on earning this grant."

Award winners include the following counties - Belvidere, Columbia, Downers Grove, Edwardsville, Glen Ellyn, Glenview, Jacksonville, Marshall, Maywood, Morrison, Ottawa, Springfield, Will County and Woodstock, the source added. The Will County project received a $19,250 grant to survey rural resources in the Peotone Township, which includes 65 historic sites, before ground breaks on a plan to build roads through the area.

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