Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library sets record pace         

200,000th visitor welcomed at museum

[JULY 20, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum welcomed its 200,000th visitor Monday, a day short of three months since its April 19 dedication.

James E. Adams of Bloomington was visiting the museum with his mother, Phillis Adams of Naples, Fla., when officials surprised them with the news.

"This world-class museum continues to exceed expectations," said Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "Welcoming the 200,000th visitor just three months after the dedication demonstrates how interest in the museum continues to grow, attracting visitors to Springfield from across the country and the world."

The Adamses received a gift bag that included museum store items donated by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

"I said the Lincoln Presidential Museum wouldn't only preserve history, it would make history," said Richard Norton Smith, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum director. "Today we have -- reaching 200,000 visitors faster than any other presidential library."

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is a state-of-the-art facility that immerses visitors in Lincoln's life and times through lifelike displays, two special effects theaters and innovative presentations. It is located at Sixth and Jefferson streets in downtown Springfield.

For more information, visit www.alplm.org.

[Abraham Presidential Library and Museum news release]