Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release: April 27, 2006	Contact: Cheryle Jackson (312) 814-3158 Abby Ottenhoff (312) 814-3158 Rebecca Rausch (217) 782-7355 Jill Burwitz (ALPLM) (217) 558-8970
	Hundreds of volunteers donate their time to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Volunteers have helped shape the Museum's first year SPRINGFIELD, IL: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) is proud to recognize its more than 300 active volunteers during National Volunteer Week. "Our volunteers reflect the excitement and intellectual curiosity that our visitors also experience," said interim Executive Director Dr. Thomas F. Schwartz. "They help make the visitor experience unique, explaining why the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is so successful." To date, ALPLM volunteers have donated more than 48,000 hours of time. They represent all ages and backgrounds. There are married couples and singles, working people and retirees, students and interns. They are residents of Springfield, surrounding communities and beyond. What they have in common is an interest in Lincoln and a dedication to sharing that interest with the visiting public. Long before the ALPLM opened to the public, a core volunteer workforce was being recruited and trained behind the scenes to provide visitors with a superior guest experience. Active volunteers donate their time and talent to a wide array of tasks. In their signature blue shirts, volunteers greet the public, meet bus tours, assemble information packets, provide backup for special events and teacher workshops, help in the reference room and even stuff envelopes. "The thing that stands out the most is our volunteers' dedication and commitment to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum," said ALPLM Volunteer Service Coordinator Linda Bee. "They are interested in preserving the history and legacy of Abraham Lincoln as well as the history of the State of Illinois." All volunteers receive nine hours of introductory training. Training includes basic information about the Library and Museum and other Lincoln sites. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of two four-hour shifts per month. In addition, they are required to complete six sessions yearly of continuing education, which may include ALPLM conferences, symposiums and the like. For those interested in volunteering at the ALPLM, the next orientation meeting will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the Library's Multi-Purpose Room. For more information, call 217-558-8872. ### << Back to Press Releases