Vandalia hosts heritage coalition meeting

Though Congress established a 42-county Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area more than two years ago, a series of public meetings was held in Vandalia and four other Illinois cities last week to determine what to do with that designation.
In Vandalia, the meeting last Thursday allowed public officials and interested citizens to learn more about the heritage area concept and brainstorm about Vandalia’s part in it.
“There is not another place in America with a landscape and a story like yours,” said A. Elizabeth Watson, a partner in Heritage Strategies, a consulting firm based in Maryland. “This is a way to preserve the story – to keep it alive – and to let people know about the terrific places you have here.
“We hope to give you a plan that will inspire you and lead you for years to come.”
Her partner in Heritage Strategies, Peter Benton, a Pennsylvania resident, told the audience of about 25 people at Vandalia City Hall that a heritage area plan creates an identity and helps that area secure funding for further development.
“We want to strengthen the experience in Vandalia, and link it with other Central Illinois communities. Most heritage areas have created a graphic identity – a logo, signs, a website – a whole plan that creates an image.”
They praised the city for several steps already taken, such as the downtown streetscape, the storyboards telling of Vandalia’s history (particularly its connection to Lincoln), Lincoln Park, the Fayette County Museum, the Old State Cemetery and, of course, the Vandalia Statehouse.
Mayor Rick Gottman noted that Vandalia has the only National Road museum in Illinois. “We need to get people off the interstate to see that museum – and the rest of the things we have to offer.”
Jim Staff, a lifelong resident, agreed that getting people to stop in Vandalia is the main challenge.
“We have several attractions here,” Staff said. “People worldwide are interested in Lincoln. I’d like to see large, attractive billboards to really bring out what we have here. The statehouse is good, but we need something like a living history museum to really draw people.”
Dale Timmermann mentioned a possible trail and log cabins along the Kaskaskia River. Bill Haselhorst suggested a Lincoln museum, perhaps in the old Twisters building. Others mentioned something that would highlight the local Underground Railroad connection. Joanne Givens said that Indian burial mounds in the area could be attractions.
“What can we do to create a unique experience in the Vandalia area?” asked Watson. “What events can we create? What would you like to see happen here in Vandalia? Now is the time to be dreaming and planning.”
The meeting in Vandalia was the last in a series of five community meetings held during the past week. Others were held in Alton, Pontiac, Lincoln and Charleston.
As some theme or structure is sought to unify the sprawling Lincoln heritage area, Robert Crosby, a representative of the Looking For Lincoln group, said that public participation in those meetings is key. “We know this will result in a stronger and more viable plan for the future, providing us with a means to develop the Lincoln Legacy story in ways that will help local communities preserve their Lincoln heritage while building their own tourism economies.”
The establishment and ongoing management of the heritage area will be done by the Looking For Lincoln Heritage Coalition, a non-profit 501c3 corporation. For more information, go to www.LookingForLincoln.com.
The next step in the process is to write a plan for the heritage area this spring and hold workshops next December. Then, in the spring of 2011, begin implementing the plan.
“Vandalia is a fantastic community,” Watson said. “It’s a place where there are lots of stories. Imagine your future, and allow us to map out your journey.”

Peter Benton of Heritage Strategies talks to a group of local residents who gathered at Vandalia City Hall on Dec. 2 to hear about the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Behind Benton is his partner, A. Elizabeth Watson.