The threat of gun violence shut down the University of Chicago’s campus yesterday.

What would have been the first day of classes and activities after Thanksgiving break have been called off because of a threat posted online, according to a statement released by University of Chicago president Robert Zimmer.

Zimmer says the school was informed by FBI counterterrorism officials of a threat specifically mentioning the campus quad “at 10 a.m.”, and decided to cancel classes and close almost all its buildings for the day.

The police presence on campus has been stepped up, according to Zimmer, while students who live on campus have been asked to remain inside.

The threat appears to be limited to the University of Chicago. Northwestern University released a statement saying “no information that would lead the University to believe that an increased danger to the Northwestern community exists,” and classes at its campuses would continue as scheduled.

In other State news, Springfield-area historians are looking for any farm houses built before the Civil War and are still being used.

Sangamon County Historic Preservation Commission Chair Chuck Pell says it’s just an effort to tell the county’s rich farm history.

Any owners of historic farm houses will receive a certificate, but the groups hope to give a special award to the owner of the oldest farm house in the county.

Pell says the effort may encourage more farmers to preserve the buildings they own.