HR1019 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1019 LRB098 20975 MST 58634 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Dr. Marcia Young on the occasion of her retirement as superintendent for the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young has played a significant role in the enhancement of the quality of life for McLean County residents; as superintendent for David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, she has helped to bring the world to the mansion's doorstep for 24 years; and

WHEREAS, Prior to joining the staff of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency in 1990, Dr. Young served as the last director of the University Museums at Illinois State University in the late 1980s; during her tenure, she helped foster a new era in museum programming, marketing, and collections management; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young helped oversee the restoration of Clover Lawn - known today as the David Davis Mansion, and has helped staff and volunteers survive and thrive, even during times of reduced funding; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young has undertaken numerous collaborations with area schools, other museums, and various organizations to design outstanding programs that offer quality educational programs and entertaining views of history for all ages; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young has encouraged and facilitated the development of numerous special programs and events designed to expand area tourism and support the fund-raising efforts of the non-profit David Davis Mansion Foundation; thousands of visitors have enjoyed such annual events as Christmas at the Mansions, the Bountiful Feast, Civil War Days, presentations by the Tea Ladies, and the Glorious Garden Walk; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young's support of the efforts to reclaim and interpret Sarah's Garden on the grounds of the Davis Mansion has resulted in a lasting partnership with McLean County Master Gardeners and honors for the heirloom garden; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young has helped local residents and visitors appreciate the important role Judge David Davis played in Abraham Lincoln's life and his rise to the presidency; under her leadership, the story of the Davis Mansion has also been greatly expanded to share stories about Sarah Davis and others who lived and worked in this remarkable Victorian-era home; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young has been affiliated with the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition for more than 10 years; she served as board chairman, and helped oversee the establishment of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young is a past-President of the Illinois Association of Museums; she also served on the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of McLean County and is a board member for the Heritage Association of McLean County; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young is a respected educator and has taught courses and conducted workshops for students of all ages since she arrived in Bloomington in 1970; she has mentored countless interns from area universities, and generously assisted scholars, authors, and documentary filmmakers seeking information about the Davis family, Clover Lawn, and life in nineteenth-century America; and

WHEREAS, As Dr. Marcia Young retires from her long-time position with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, she plans to continue her volunteer service with the Davis Mansion Foundation and several other related organizations; her knowledge and enthusiasm have been invaluable, her leadership has been steadfast, and countless people have benefited from her unwavering dedication; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dr. Marcia Young on her retirement as superintendent for the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, and we wish her the best in all her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Young as an expression of our esteem and respect.