Lincoln Heritage Museum hosts farewell reception for Tom McLaughlin

[January 16, 2018] 

LINCOLN

Friday marked the last work day for Tom McLaughlin as director and curator at Lincoln Heritage Museum. McLaughlin tendered his resignation a few weeks ago after accepting a position with Edward Jones.

On Thursday afternoon a reception was held in McLaughlin’s honor in the Lincoln Center at Lincoln College. Guests gathered inside the atrium to wish McLaughlin well in the future, and to remind him that though he may not be an employee, he still has a place at the museum.

McLaughlin’s position has been filled by Anne Moseley, who for the past several years has served as the assistant director at the museum.

On Thursday afternoon Moseley spoke before the group, congratulating McLaughlin on his new venture, wishing him well, and thanking him for the time he has spent at the museum.

Moseley said that she had very much enjoyed working with McLaughlin and she was hopeful that he would be coming back in the future to continue assisting with interpretative events and other volunteer opportunities.

She pointed out that there were posters around the room featuring McLaughlin at work in the museum and also highlighting some of the interpretations he has done, such as that of Ulysses S. Grant portrayed for the “Lovers of Liberty, Take Courage!” series the museum presented last year.

McLaughlin also spoke saying that he had enjoyed his time at the museum and that it had been a new experience for him to serve its director. He said that taking on the role had “stretched him” as a person, giving him a greater understanding and appreciation of the Abraham Lincoln history locally.

During her speech, Moseley pointed out a large poster board laid out for guests to sign, saying it would be a going away remembrance for McLaughlin to take with him into the next chapter of his career.

McLaughlin’s original career goals had included working in finance and investment, so the move to Edward Jones is a step toward those career goals.

As the museum’s director, McLaughlin was invited onto the Logan County Tourism Bureau Board of Directors. He plans on retaining that seat on the tourism board.

Tom McLaughlin (standing) joins his parents Dan "Mac" and Mary McLaughlin for a photo on Thursday afternoon in the atrium just outside the Lincoln Heritage Museum.

On Thursday those on hand included many of the volunteers who work at the museum on a regular basis, those who have helped with the various interpretive events, college staff, supporters of the museum, members of the Tourism Bureau and family and friends of McLaughlin.

McLaughlin will be taking a short time off before beginning his new position. When he does begin with Edward Jones he will work in Springfield, but is looking forward to having an office in Lincoln at some point in the future.

Tom and wife Brittney live in Lincoln. They moved back to the area a few years ago after having been located in the Decatur area. McLaughlin said that the couple will continue to live in Lincoln, as this community is their true home.

[Nila Smith]