In July, the National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded a $50,000 grant to the Illinois State Archaeological Survey. Illinois State Archaeological Survey archeologist Erin Benson digs at a site on the north side of Brooklyn, Illinois, on Sept. 13, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)Brooklyn residents at the Historical Society of the Brooklyn Illinois Gathering in the Wilderness History and Heritage Day on Sept. 13, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)Illinois State Archaeological Survey archeologist Erin Benson digs at a site on the north side of Brooklyn, Illinois, on Sept. 13, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption 1 of 4 Illinois State Archaeological Survey archeologist Erin Benson digs at a site on the north side of Brooklyn, Illinois, on Sept. 13, 2025.