By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition has named Bloomington-Normal a gateway community for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
The heritage area is made up of 42 counties primarily in Central Illinois. The coalition made the announcement Tuesday at the McLean County Museum of History.
Coalition Executive Director Sarah Watson said selecting the Twin Cities as a gateway is partially geographic.
“It’s the northern point of the 42 counties, but it’s not just geographic,” said Watson. “It’s that Bloomington has a really significant Lincoln story to tell and has the visitor services to support the visitors who come to hear the story.”
Museum Executive Director Beth Whisman said this is an important designation.
“Lincoln’s one of the biggest brands that is recognizable for tourism around the world and he’s one of the important stories for American history,” said Whisman. “And a great deal of what he did and what developed him into an iconic history maker happened right here in Central Illinois.”
Other gateway communities are Alton, Quincy, Danville, Springfield and Charleston.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
