MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced that the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) was awarded two federal grants totaling in $60,00 for restoration costs for the Forward" and Col. Hans Christian Heg statues that were damaged earlier this year.
Gov. Evers suggested to the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board (SCERB) to diversify the state capitol statues by honoring Vel Phillips, the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison law school, with a statue.
“This is great news and we appreciate the NEH and NEA for their support in restoring and preserving our state history,” said Gov. Evers. “I look forward to not only getting Col. Heg and Forward back up on their feet at the Capitol but also exploring new options to make the Capitol grounds a more accurate reflection of our state's diversity and history.”
The restoration for both of the statues, following approval by the SCERB in July, is anticipated in the summer of 2021.
Gov. Evers also announced a community advisory committee working on a proposal for the Vel Phillips statue. The committee will bring the proposal to SCERB in early 2021.
