In 1893, a replica of the ancient Viking ship Gokstad, discovered in 1880, was built and sailed from Norway through the Erie Canal and Great Lakes to Chicago for the World's Columbia Exposition. The voyage proved that Vikings could have landed in North America centuries before Columbus.
After the Exposition, the replica ship was displayed at Lincoln Park in Chicago. It was not moved indoors until it was brought to Good Templar Park in Geneva in 1996. Exposure to the elements had taken its toll on the ship. By 2007, it was in desperate need of repairs. "Declared one of the 'most endangered historic sites’ by Landmarks Illinois in March 2007, the Viking [ship] was awarded a grant for her stabilization (make-over) by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in November 2007. Written by Elizabeth Safanda [Executive Director of Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley], this grant was the result of winning an online contest, with 25 historic sites in the Chicago area all vying for part of $1,000,000 preservation pie. The Viking [ship] came in second place--due to the ardent support of fans far and wide--and was awarded $52,000." For these efforts, Preservation Partners received the prestigious Richard H. Driehaus Award for Preservation Advocacy in 2009. The award was granted because "without the work of Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, the fate of this rare and invaluable historic resource would still be in jeopardy." The work of Preservation Partners was not possible without other organizations including the Kane County Development Department, Good Templar Park, the Norwegian National League, and countless private citizens.
Unfortunately, the ship remains at risk because its shelter at Good Templar Park is not climate-controlled. We continue working with Friends of the Viking Ship to help find a home for the ship in the Fox Valley. In the summer they offer tours on select days and always appreciate donations. Visit their website for more information at www.vikingship.us.
Thank you for reading! If this story interested, inspired, or informed you, please consider subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter so more of these stories come right to you!
PHOTO: Chris Morris and Elizabeth Safanda review stabilization work performed on the 1893 Viking Ship, October 2, 2008.
SOURCES: "Viking Ship Undergoes Dramatic Makeover," Advocate (Fall 2008): 1; "Driehaus Award Salutes Viking Ship Rescue Effort," Advocate (Winter 2010): 1.