Illinois State Historian Set to Speak at Lincoln College Convocation
Sam Wheeler Presentation is Open to the Public

 

[February 06, 2020]  LINCOLN - Dr. Samuel Wheeler, Illinois State Historian, will be the keynote speaker at Lincoln College’s Charter Day Convocation on Friday, February 7. The ceremony will commemorate Lincoln College’s 155th anniversary of its charter, recognizing the institution’s rich history and accomplishments.

Dr. Wheeler is the tenth State Historian in Illinois history. Wheeler specializes in the diverse history of the Prairie State, as well as the remarkable life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. He earned his doctorate in history from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he taught several popular courses on U.S History, including advanced courses on Illinois History, the Civil War Era, and the Art of Historical Research and Writing. Today, he regularly speaks to audiences around the country, writes for scholarly journals and popular magazines, and offers commentary to media outlets.

In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Wheeler is proud to work in the field of Public History. For the past two decades, he has helped archives and libraries, historic sites and historic societies, and museums and non-profits fulfill their educational missions.  

As the State Historian of Illinois, Dr. Wheeler serves as the Director of Research at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. He manages the ALPLM’s two research projects, the Papers of Abraham Lincoln documentary editing project and the state’s Oral History program.

Wheeler will speak to the Lincoln College community and members of the public at 4:00 p.m. in the Johnston Center for Performing Arts auditorium, where he will also receive an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the ceremony.

[Lauren Grenlund
Director of Public Relations
Lincoln College]