Trustees appoint new Illinois state historian

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The trustees of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency have appointed a new state historian to direct collections and research at the state historical library.

Dr. Samuel Wheeler will also lead efforts to use Illinois' historical resources, such as museums, library collections and historic sites, to educate the public about Illinois' heritage.

The state historical library is a part of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, where Wheeler is currently a research historian.

The 38-year-old has a Ph.D. in history from Southern Illinois University, a master's degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University.

Thomas Schwartz previously held the position. He is now director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum in West Branch, Iowa.