Dr. Samuel Wheeler, an expert on the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln, was named Illinois state historian Tuesday by the trustees of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
As state historian, Wheeler will direct research and collections at the state historical library, a part of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He will also lead efforts to use the state’s historical resources, such as museums, library collections and historic sites, to educate the public about Illinois’ rich heritage.
Wheeler, 38, holds a Ph.D. in history from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a bachelor’s from Illinois State University. He lives in Springfield with his son, Owen.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on July 26, 2016.
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