A state agency is encouraging Illinois residents to protect pieces of their past.

“The preservation of historic grave markers is important; it is doable; and it is our responsibility as a community,” said Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) Acting Director Catherine Shannon. “The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency encourages citizens to preserve these markers even if they aren’t connected to your ancestors.”

Springtime encourages people to do a little spring cleaning, both indoors and out, and sometimes that cleaning can involve old, broken grave markers.