 |
|||
| For Immediate Release: January 3, 2006 |
Contact: Jill Burwitz (ALPLM) (217) 558-8970 office (217) 299-6165 cell |
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum ends 2005 with record numbers in attendance SPRINGFIELD, IL: By any measurement, 2005 was an extremely successful year for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Between the grand opening on April 19th, and December 31st, 488,968 visitors have toured the ALPLM. Visitors from every state in the nation have been joined by foreign guests from Germany, England, Australia, South Africa, South Korea, China and Japan, to name just a few. Many visitors have returned several times, often bringing family and friends to share the experience. Also reaching a milestone is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, which opened its doors to the public October 14, 2004. Since that time, over 90,000 people have visited the library - roughly twenty times the number counted during its last full year beneath the Old State Capitol. "If you build it, they will come. If you build it to world-class standards, the world will come," said ALPLM Executive Director Richard Norton Smith. "Impressive as these numbers may be, no one around here is resting on his laurels." Indeed, 2006 promises no drop-off in the phenomenal attendance figures, with the Museum anticipating as many as 600,000 visitors by its first anniversary on April 19, 2006. Upcoming temporary exhibits are expected to help reach the Museum goal. The current display, "Christmas at the White House," will close on January 8. "Mr. Lincoln's Attic," an exhibit showcasing recent acquisitions of the ALPLM, will debut January 28 and run through March 26. Then on May 13, the ALPLM will unveil what is sure to be it's biggest yet - "Mrs. President: From Martha to Laura," featuring personal memorabilia from every one of America's First Ladies. ### |
|
Copyright Notice | FAQ | Career Opportunities | Volunteer | Related Links | State of Illinois | Illinois Historic Preservation Agency |