LookingForLincoln.com has been recognized by Juggle as one of the top state tourism sites on the web. Below you'll find an interview with Robert F. Crosby II, Project Director for the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition.
- What elements were discussed when developing LookingForLincoln.com? What were some of the original objectives?
The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition was originally conceived as a state heritage project in 1998 and a wide variety of avenues were explored for promotion of the historic sites and communities in Central Illinois. Brochures are the staple of the tourism industry, but we wanted something more organic and, at that time, the internet was truly coming into its own. Having an organic medium was important for us then and remains important for us today as we continue to grow as an organization. Having the ability to adapt new technologies and information is key in staying current and interesting. Now, with the creation of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in 2008 by Congress and signed by President Bush, we find ourselves on the precipice of a new era in community outreach and the internet is the avenue by which we reach the largest audience both within our expanded community and without.
- What are the current online initiatives for the Lincoln Heritage Coalition? Are there any new features in the works?
We are always continuing to explore technologies as they become available and innovations both great and small. For example, when we discovered that pop-up windows were often blocked by some platforms, we explored the notion of CSS windows that pop-up in-screen, thus eliminating this problem on our linked sites. On a larger scale, we are looking into cross-platform integration with smartphone applications, but this development is still a bit further down the pipeline.
As for newer features on our existing website, we have recently implemented the "Story Trail" section of our website and a new section of our webpage dedicated to the National Heritage Area management plan process. We are also looking forward to (within the next month) having our "Lincoln's 8th Judicial Circuit" webpage up and running. This new site features a whole host of graphics, informative windows, tour ideas, and a number of videos. This is our most ambitious project yet and has taken the heavy involvement from a number of individuals and communities within a 17 county stretch in Central Illinois - the counties that previously made up the 8th Judicial Circuit, which Lincoln traveled.
- As a supplement to the heritage area, how does this website enable visitors to develop an understanding of President Lincoln's historical importance?
We don't yet feature an exclusive section relating to the direct historical impact of Abraham Lincoln, but are looking to include this information at a later date. In the meantime, we have included a new section featuring links to more academic and informative sites on Lincoln and the relevant issues and themes surrounding him, including the Civil War and others.
- What resources does your website offer an individual to assist in preserving and interpreting the Lincoln heritage?
Currently we are in transition on this but have successfully undertaken the most important element in this endeavor: information. In order for the heritage of this area to be appreciated and the history to be explored, it is fundamental that we make the public aware of the sites involved in this shared heritage. Including a history of the sites involved and by clearly demonstrated their continued relevance, as well as basic information on contact and visitor information, we believe we will grow in the public consciousness and better be able to further our efforts at preservation, interpretation, education, and heritage tourism.
- How is your site collaborating with the Illinois bicentennial to add a new perspective to the heritage area?
We are in a prime position to see a number of things through at this point. In 2008, we led the drive for the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate. In 2009, we were uniquely situated to assist in the Lincoln Bicentennial celebration with promotional, interpretive, and educational programming. In 2010 we have participated in a number of activities relating to the Sesquicentennial celebration of Lincoln's election and are deeply involved with the National Park Service in the February kick-off for Lincoln's move to Washington and the commemoration of the Civil War.
This will carry us through in a variety of ways on our exploration of the themes that take us from Civil War to Civil Rights, as part of a greater programming being explored and implemented with the National Park Service. In 2015, we will commemorate not only the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, but, on a more personal note, the mourning of the death of President Lincoln at the hands of an assassin. Following this, we plan to celebrate this "Land of Lincoln" in 2018, as we join together to honor Illinoisans past and present in the Illinois Bicentennial. So, as you can see, there will be very few slow moments for nearly a decade.
- Why did you choose to highlight the Lincoln-Douglas Debates on your site?
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates were the moment following both the Dred Scott Decision and the travesty of the Kansas-Nebraska act, the nation found itself at a pivotal moment. Old parties had broken, political lines were being drawn, alliances were being formed and others dissolved and we found ourselves on the brink of something that had been avoided since the Missouri Compromise: civil war.
The debates served a two-fold purpose in both illuminating the deep divides between our nation and showcasing the man who led the Senate of the United States as the "Little Lion" and an orator who knew no equal and a virtual unknown from Illinois, who would speak to the hearts and minds of a great many citizens and then, in two short years.be elected President of the United States. All of this took place in Illinois.the frontier.in a microcosm of the larger nation. Your question should rather be, "How could we NOT highlight the Lincoln Douglas Debates?"
- What information is made available to visitors to learn some background on the destinations in the Lincoln National Heritage Area and the communities around them?
Our site map breaks down the historic communities, featuring the information on the community itself and then offers the sites located within the historic community. Information is then furnished specifically on the historic site itself, as well as visitor information.
- How does your "build your own Lincoln site" program work? How does this feature connect people more to the destinations in the national heritage area?
There is an old saying that "you can't beat free." This is evident in the "build your own Lincoln site." Not only was it incredibly developed during the Bicentennial programming, with striking detail, but it is freely accessible to any and all individuals who have an interest in developing a hands-on appreciation for some of our most iconic Lincoln sites.
- Why did you choose to implement special information for families in the "History Hunt" section? Why is it important for children to become involved with the Lincoln National Heritage Area?
The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area is a geographic designation encompassing a 42-county swath of beautiful Illinois land. It is a place with a vision and, as congressionally designated coordinating entity for this area, the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition is charged with the mission to serve the interests of this area and its cultural and natural heritage. It is our vision that this should be done through a variety of facilitated programs that address tourism, education, preservation, interpretation, and community revitalization-based issues.
When you look at this, you must ask yourself, "Who are the leaders, citizens, and caretakers of tomorrow? Who will make all of this possible? Who will ensure that this legacy endures?" The answer is the children.
In order to gain their attention and capture their imagination, it is important that, instead of ephemeral lessons on subjects, we provide them with hands-on lessons that they can explore at their own pace. We want them to seek out, on their own guided terms, the lessons we wish to impart, but with a grasp on a real person, a real life, with real hardships and triumphs.
- What else would you like to share with us about LookingForLincoln.com or the National Heritage Area?
On behalf of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, we welcome you and any who are interested to explore us on their own!
Feel free to contact us at your convenience and be certain to check us out on the website at www.lookingforlincoln.com!