Illinois history agency gets new director

SPRINGFIELD — An administrator with the state’s economic development agency is being put in charge of protecting and promoting Illinois’ historic sites.

Amy Martin will oversee more than 60 sites and memorials as the new director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. That includes the Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum.

She says the historic sites are especially important right now because of the revenue they generate during tough economic times.

The 41-year-old Martin was previously coordinator of the Main Street Program at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

She replaces the preservation agency’s acting director, Catherine Shannon.