Bob Coomer served as Director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency from 2004 until his retirement in 2007. Prior to holding this position, he had a long career in recreational and historic administration. He served as assistant bureau chief of the Illinois Department of Conservation from 1978 to 1985. Following the creation of the IHPA in 1985, he was transferred over to the new agency as Superintendent of Historic Sites and was responsible for setting up and overseeing the state's historic sites. In 2005, he became Agency Director, and helped to oversee the creation of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (among many other duties).
Interview Links
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early career and work with IHPA through Directorship of S. Mogerman
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Coomer’s directorship of IHPA from 2004-2007, & opening of ALPLM
Transcript
Photos
Caption
Bob Coomer, , Superintendent of Historic Sites of IHPA, announcing a construction project at the Bishop Hill, Illinois Historic Site, circa 2006-2007.
Where:
Unknown
When:
circa 2006-2007
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Bob Coomer announces land acquisition for the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, circa 2006/2007.
Where:
Unknown
When:
circa 2006/2007
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Bob Coomer receiving a portrait of Abraham Lincoln loaned to the agency by Southern Illinois University, circa 2006/2007. The painting was displayed at the Vandalia State Courthouse.
Where:
Vandalia State Courthouse
When:
circa 2006/2007
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Bob Coomer receiving a portrait of Abraham Lincoln loaned to the agency by Southern Illinois University, circa 2006/2007. The painting was displayed at the Vandalia State Courthouse.
Where:
Vandalia State Courthouse
When:
circa 2006/2007
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Bob Coomer at the ground-breaking in September 2005 for Union Square Park, across the street from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. The museum is visible behind Director Coomer.
Where:
Union Square Park; Springfield, Illinois
When:
2006
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain
Caption
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Union Square Park in Sep 2005. From L-R are Gary Kitchen, Ron Wright, Julie Cellini, Bill Borgognoni, Bob Coomer (podium), Gov. Blagojevich, Susan Mogerman, Richard Norton Smith, Rep. Richard Brauer and Jan Grimes.
Where:
Union Square Park; Springfield, Illinois
When:
September, 2005
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain
Caption
Director Bob Coomer at the announcement of a new educational program for the Lewis and Clark Historic Site, in Edwardsville, Illinois, circa 2006/2007.
Where:
Lewis and Clark Historic Site, in Edwardsville, Illinois
When:
circa 2006/2007
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain
Caption
Where:
Lewis and Clark Community College in Edwardsville, IL
When:
circa 2006/07
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain
Caption
Bob Coomer and Susan Mogerman, (standing, at right) Director of ALPL Foundation, present gifts to the Museum’s one-millionth visitor on Saturday, January 6, 2007. Visitors are Craig, Laura, Ryan, and Annie Schone from Chapin, IL.
Where:
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
When:
January 6, 2007
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain
Caption
Director Bob Coomer presents a National Register of Historic Places Certificate to the proprietors of the Ariston Café in Litchfield, IL. The designation was in cooperation with the Main Street Route 66 program.
Where:
Ariston Café in Litchfield, IL
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Bob Coomer at the Beam signing ceremony as part of the historic preservation/renovation of Union Station in 2007.
Where:
Union Station
When:
2007
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain