For two and a half decades, from 1989 to 2013, David Blanchette served as the Public Information Officer for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and later the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He served in that capacity during IHPA's infancy, and during the conceptualization, design, construction and opening of ALPLM, a world-class museum and library. Dave discusses these topics in detail, as well as the management turmoil that the department experienced in the years following its opening.
Interview Links
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early career as journalist and the 1990s at IL Historic Preservation
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Press dealings for the planning and construction of ALPLM
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
Opening of ALPLM, Lincoln Bicentennial and management changes
Photos
Caption:
This is an early architect’s renderings of the proposed Presidential Library and Museum complex, with the museum’s dome (left left) being the most identifiable feature of structure. The eventual design resembled this plan except for the museum’s dome.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Unknown
Caption:
A crowd of thousands was on hand for the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on April 19, 2005 in Springfield, Illinois. The Library portion of the complex had been dedicated the previous year.is is an early architect’s renderings of the proposed Presidential Library and Museum complex, with the museum’s dome (left left) being the most identifiable feature of structure. The eventual design resembled this plan except for the museum’s dome.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
April 19, 2005
Ownership:
Unknown
Caption:
The news media came out in force to report on the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield on April 19, 2005.museum’s dome.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
April 19, 2005
Ownership:
Unknown
Caption:
President George W. Bush addressed the crowd during the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on April 19, 2005.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
April 19, 2005
Ownership:
Unknown
Caption:
Sen. Barack Obama was one of several prominent speakers who addressed the crowd during the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on April 19, 2005. Obama announced his candidacy for President the following year at the Old State Capitol.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
April 19, 2005
Ownership:
Unknown