IDOT launches virtual museum

In the midst of celebrating the Iowa Department of Transportation?s 100th anniversary, the agency found a new way to preserve and share its rich history ? the IDOT?s virtual museum at http://www.iowadot.gov/virtual_museum/index.html showcases artifacts, architecture, arts and awards from all parts of the agency.

Historical items, and the stories that go along with many of them, are being cataloged and placed online for anyone to access. Leighton Christiansen, IDOT librarian, is curating the new museum.

?I?m fairly new to IDOT,? he said. ?When I walk around the agency?s complex in Ames, I have noticed many offices have display cases containing historical items and various awards. In the back of my mind, I wondered about the history behind the items.

?A virtual museum opens up a whole new avenue for both employees and the public to expand their knowledge of what IDOT is all about.

?This is a long-term project,? he said. ?The plan is to continue to add new museum items on a regular basis under each of the four categories: artifacts, architecture, arts and awards.?