Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release: January 19, 2006	Contact: Jill Burwitz (ALPLM) (217) 299-6165 cell Dave Blanchette 217-558-0516 (IHPA)
	Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum hits another milestone on its nine month anniversary SPRINGFIELD, IL: Nine months ago today, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum opened its doors to the world to share the story of Lincoln's life. Since that time, thousands have traveled near and far to learn more about this country's 16th President. Today, Museum officials welcomed Carlene Shafer of Mount Pleasant, Iowa as the Museum's 500,000th visitor. "The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a world-class institution that has brought new jobs and economic opportunities to Springfield, and that has allowed thousands of men, women and children, from Illinois and from around the world, to learn about one of our greatest presidents and the state's most famous son," said Governor Rod R. Blagojevich. "That the Museum has reached its first half-million visitors only nine months after opening its doors, it's a tribute to the legacy of Lincoln, and a tribute to our state capital as a place where families can spend quality time together, learn about history and help stimulate the region's economy." "It's supposed to be off-season, but don't tell that to thousands of visitors that flock to Springfield," said Richard Norton Smith, Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. "This is a good time to acknowledge with gratitude, the hard work and warm hospitality of all those here at the ALPLM who make the visitor experience so memorable." The 500,000 visitors come from every state in the nation and every country in the world. School children make up a significant portion of visitors. From May to December 31st, 2005, over 24,000 school children toured the ALPLM. By any measure, 2005 was quite a year for the ALPLM. Numbers aside, the ALPLM is proud of several other accomplishments that helped shape the first nine months of operation. They include two blockbuster exhibits, 'Blood on the Moon' and 'Christmas at the White House.' With Foundation support, the ALPLM unveiled new programs such as Evening's to Remember, featuring former Illinois Governor Jim Thompson and former Illinois Congressman Dan Rostenkowski, and the Jim Edgar Lecture Series, featuring Pulitzer-prize winning historian David McCullough. Upcoming events include the May 13th debut of 'Mrs. President: From Martha to Laura,' the most ambitious temporary exhibit yet. The 500,000th visitor receives a bust of Lincoln and a $100 gift certificate to the Museum store, compliments of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and a free lunch in the Museum CafÈ courtesy of Augie's. ### << Back to Press Releases