Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release: March 19, 2006	Contact: Jill Burwitz (ALPLM) (217) 299-6165 cell (217) 558-8970 office
	Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum receives prestigious Thea Award Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the creation of compelling places and experiences SPRINGFIELD, IL: On Saturday, March 18, 2006, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum received an award for creative excellence at the 12th Annual Thea and Awards Gala at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. TEA (formerly Themed Entertainment Association) board members have chosen the ALPLM for outstanding achievement in the museum category. Thea recognizes accomplishments in seven different nations, ranging from museums to zoos, from technological innovation to personal achievement, from dark rides to cultural heritage centers. The Thea nomination committee selected the ALPLM out of 184 submissions for all categories awarded. "The Thea award honors both the content and context of the museum experience and focuses on the meticulous design and attention to detail that give the public a personal encounter with the life and times of Abraham Lincoln," said Julie Cellini, board chairman of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. "We couldn't be more proud of this project or this award." Bob Rogers and his company, BRC Imagination Arts, were responsible for overseeing the creative elements of the Museum. Mr. Rogers and his company created, designed and produced the exhibits that thousands of visitors have enjoyed at the ALPLM for the past eleven months. Hired in 1998 by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Illinois Capital Development Board, BRC Imagination Arts spent seven years working with scholars, historians, teachers, and historical advisors, including some of the world's foremost authorities on Lincoln's life and presidency, plus 40 other organizations, to build the story of Abraham Lincoln from concept to construction to final creation The Museum's dedication on April 19, 2005 concluded several years of planning and hard work, bringing the public and private life of Abraham Lincoln to the forefront. As the Museum approaches its one-year anniversary, more than 500,000 visitors have toured the ALPLM. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum features nearly 40,000-square-feet of exhibits, special effects theatres and displays of original artifacts that plunge visitors into Lincoln's life and times. Since the April 2005 opening, visitors have immersed themselves in the Lincoln story through two state-of-the-art exhibit "journeys" depicting Lincoln's early years, home life, legal and political careers, and presidency. The Museum's Treasures Gallery showcases select original items from the state's Lincoln collection, such as the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's presidential briefcase. The Union Theater presents "Lincoln's Eyes," a 17-minute show that uses special effects and three screens to surround the audience with the tragedies and triumphs of Lincoln's life. The "Ghosts of the Library" presentation amazes audiences as live actors interact with ghosts onstage to make yesterday and today come to life. The Museum also features a children's area, restaurant, Museum Store, a 4,500-square-foot plaza, and a parking garage for visitors. The complex will soon include a welcome center in the restored 1890 Union Station, which is expected to be completed in winter 2007 and Union Square Park, which will be completed this summer. Attending the awards ceremony on behalf of the ALPLM are: IHPA Historic Preservation Chairman Julie Cellini, Illinois State Historian Tom Schwartz, Chief Operating Officer of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation Susan Mogerman and Foundation Development Director Estie Karpman. ### << Back to Press Releases