Museums of all types and sizes rely on volunteers for a myriad of activities, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) is no exception. ALPLM has a robust volunteer program with 540 active volunteers. Jeremy Carrell, director of volunteer services, says the number, quality and passion of volunteers far exceeds early expectations. Volunteers […]
Karen Ackerman Witter
Karen Ackerman Witter started freelance writing after a 35-year career in state government holding various senior leadership positions. Prior to retiring she was associate director of the Illinois State Museum for 14 years. She is the past president of the Kidzeum Board of Directors and is an active volunteer with the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise, Women for Women giving circle of the Community Foundation, NPR Illinois and other community organizations.
Posted inNews
Carillon Festival concludes Friday
The carillon in Washington Park is not only a familiar icon to Springfield residents, it is also known internationally as one of the world’s largest and best carillons. The final two nights of the 56th annual International Carillon Festival are Thursday and Friday. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy an evening of music. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
International Carillon Festival begins Sunday
The carillon in Washington Park is not only a familiar icon to Springfield residents, it is also known internationally as one of the world’s largest and best carillons. From June 4 to 9, renowned carillonists from The Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Michigan and Texas will be in Springfield for the 56th annual International Carillon Festival. Begun […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Springfield-area summer camps
There are many opportunities in the Springfield area for enriching, educational and fun activities for kids this summer. From art to science to history, horseback riding, babysitting, sports, nature, cooking, technology, swimming, skating, theater, special needs, ecology and more, there is something for children of all ages. Boy Scouts of America – Camp Bunn and […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The power of awe
A fully loaded 16-passenger raft is dwarfed by the vastness of the Grand Canyon. PHOTO BY KAREN A. WITTER Awesome is now a commonly used word to describe just about anything that is nice, good or enjoyable. But, Webster’s dictionary defines awesome as causing feelings of fear and wonder and feelings of awe. Awe means […]
