©2011 Galesburg Broadcasting Co.
| Carl Sandburg Birthplace Opens for Festival |
A promise by the governor resulted in a celebration at a local historic venue.
Pat Quinn announced Thursday the reopening of 11 state historic sites that were shuttered under former Governor Rod Blagojevich last year - including the Carl Sandburg Birthplace in Galesburg and the Bishop Hill state historic site in Henry County.
The move by Quinn came just in time for the celebration of the Carl Sandburg Festival of the Mind Thursday night at his birthplace in Galesburg. Bishop Hill Site Superitendent Martha Downey, who's also overseeing the Sandburg site, says Bishop Hill reopened Thursday and welcomed it's first tour of schoolchildren.
Downey tells WGIL she's obviously pleased the governor reopened the sites.
"To be able to be open and interpret the Bishop Hill heritage up there to our public it's a key part of our mission. Since December 1 we weren't doing what we were supposed to be doing, so it's wonderful. I've been smiling for the last two weeks now"
Downey says the Carl Sandburg site will be open this weekend for the Sandburg Festival, then be open on weekends only beginning May 2nd until further notice. She says the Bishop Hill Site is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 to 5.
Downey also says she was able to hire back all four of her employees, and she's still looking to fill another position between the two sites.
The Carl Sandburg birthplace Thursday night welcomed Dr. Jhon Akers to share his stories of Carl Sandburg and music with his Spanish guitar with residents who attended.
Dr. Jhon Akers talks with Carl Sandburg Historic Site Association President Norm Winick Thursday night in the barn of the Sandburg Birthplace prior to his performance with his Spanish guitar
(story by WGIL's Dominic Fortini, photo courtesy of Marth Downey) |
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| 04 23 09 by Newsroom |
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