Visit to Springfield Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th October

After leaving Orchard Downs early in the morning, we arrived in Springfield around 9.30 am and checked into our hotel, the Springfield Hilton -- the tallest building in town.

The morning started off with a tour of the Illinois State Museum (a natural science museum) and an exhibition called "Changes" which emcompassed all the environmental changes that have happened in Illinois over the last few millenia. It was really fascinating and I think that we were specially honoured to have the curator of exhibition, Dr Bonnie Styles, take us around.

We then went back to Illinois State Library where we were welcomed by Jean Wilkens, Director of the State Library, and were then shown around the library by Blaine Redemer, Head of Reference with a quick visit to the Trademarks and Patents Library on the ground floor

Then off to the Old State Capitol State Historic site, and a whirlwind rush to see Lincoln's home. It poured with rain the whole day, so we did very little walking.

That evening, Kathryn Harris, Divisional Manager for Library Services, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, presented: Harriet Tubman speaks: What was the underground railroad? What a fascinating story?

On Wednesday, we were up bright and early, walking around the corner to visit the Lincoln Library, the Public Library of Springfield. And then off for a tour of the Dana-Thomas House which was designed by Frank .... who sounds a fascinating character.

Back to the State Library for a lunch meeting with the Springfield Commission on International Visitors, where each country had to do a presentation -- this time using one slide and only speaking for a max of 3 minutes. It fell to me to do the presentation -- the script of the presentation will be posted on this webblog. Susan chose the slide...

After lunch, we went off for a tour of Talking Book & Braille Service which is one of the services offered by the Illinois State Library, and then off to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library for a very honoured preview (the official opening was the next day) with Kathryn Harris. I think we must have seen every nook and cranny, -- it really is a beautiful building!

That evening, we were hosted at a dinner reception out on a farm (really the most beautiful country setting, under cover with good food and wine ...) which gave some of us an opportunity to meet our hosts.