A Proposal Regarding the Future of the ALBC Web Site
August 6, 2009
Dear Friends and Supporters:
In September, it will be three years since I was appointed the ALBC Executive Director. At my final interview, Senator Durbin spoke about the importance of the Internet as democracy’s best learning tool and the Web site as an ideal vehicle to expand Lincoln’s legacy. All the Commissioners have been in complete support of a Website as a legacy with growth potential.
If the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth inspired the creation of a civic cathedral of marble, the 200th anniversary could send his words and deeds everywhere.
The ALBC has been wrestling with that responsibility ever since. We have met with some success: on February 12th, the Web site received over 22,000 unique hits per minute. The National Teach-In webcast reached over 250,000 students from all 50 states and eight nations.
Now in the final year of the Commission as we contemplate the Web site’s future and development, we seek the advice of all Lincoln stakeholders. How can we serve you? What can the Web site become?
We have proposed some ideas for you to test. I am indebted to David Early, Hasan Aloul and Bryan Jack for their dedication to the Web site. Jennifer Rosenfeld, too, has suggested creative ideas for the Web site. Perhaps the Web site will:
- Be a gateway to scholars, enabling them to easily and economically conduct research.
- Build collaborations between Lincoln-centered museums, libraries, schools, universities, historic sites and cultural organizations.
- Create opportunities for civic engagement.
- Follow Lincoln’s example and include laughter with learning and entertainment with education.
America is changing rapidly. We are a nation drawn increasingly from every part of the globe. Communication is therefore essential. Due in part to the Internet, reading habits are changing. Learning styles are changing. We are much more visual than verbal, yet so many blog and send text messages often. Is there a Lincoln that can capture this new energy?
Currently, the University of Illinois’ National Center for Supercomputing Applications hosts the ALBC Web site. We are most appreciative for its support. We thank Vernon Burton and his staff for its maintenance of the Web site.
After the ALBC sunsets next year, the ALBC Foundation (a 501c3) assumes the responsibility for maintaining the Web site. It will need a home, preferably at a research university, library, or college with graduate students dedicated to Lincoln, technology, and the humanities. The Web site needs a board(s) of advisors, including scholars, educators, technicians, designers, and visionaries.
Please let us know your vision for the ALBC Web site. Navigation will be easier but content and big ideas will make Senator Durbin’s belief in the value of the Web site a reality.
Please take the time to let us know your interests. Please freely forward this to others. We seek a dialogue.
I can be reached at (202) 707-6998 or emack@loc.gov and David Early can be reached at dear@loc.gov. We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours Sincerely,
Eileen Mackevich
