|
 Visitors will need to schedule their appointments
in advance so the number of people in the building at any one time
can be held to safe levels. Visitors will also have to wear masks
that cover the mouth and nose, answer basic health questions and
have their temperatures taken before they can enter.
The facility has been meticulously cleaned and disinfected, and
protective barriers have been installed in key places to ensure
guest and employee safety. Visitors will be also be encouraged to
stay one “Lincoln” apart – 6 feet, 4 inches, the equivalent of
President Lincoln’s height.
“New public health guidelines allow us to open the museum doors
again. It will be wonderful to see visitors exploring Lincoln’s life
and taking inspiration from his accomplishments,” said Acting
Executive Director Melissa Coultas. “We will continue to be mindful
of the threat of Covid-19, and we ask our visitors to do the same.”
The library portion of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and
Museum will not immediately be open to visitors. Its reopening date
has not been set yet. In the meantime, researchers can access a
wealth of information by visiting www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov
or emailing
alplm.reference@illinois.gov.
Measures to maximize public safety include:
• Requiring tickets be purchased in advance, either online or by
telephone
• Requiring face masks at all times
• Installing signs with outlines of Lincoln’s feet to help visitors
maintain proper physical distance
• Reducing the number of theater performances and maintaining safe
guest distancing throughout the shows (theaters will be cleaned and
disinfected after each performance)
• The temporary closure of the “Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic” play area
• Establishing a strict cleaning and sanitation regimen for the
museum and library.
The museum will maintain its usual schedule of being open 9 a.m. to
5 p.m., seven days a week. Visitors can buy tickets up to two weeks
in advance at
www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum uses a
combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship to
immerse visitors in Lincoln’s life and times. The library holds an
unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs,
artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to
all aspects of Illinois history. Answers
to your questions about reopening the Lincoln Presidential Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum will reopen to the public on
Jan. 25. Here are answers to some questions you may have.
Q: Will I have to wear a mask?
A: Yes. All guests and staff must wear masks that cover the nose and
mouth to reduce the possibility of spreading the coronavirus. If you
do not have a mask, we will provide one.
Q: Is it safe to visit?
A: Our priority is to take every measure we can to ensure safety for
our guests and our employees. We are following and exceeding
recommendations of Illinois’ top health-safety leaders to create an
environment that mitigates coronavirus spread. In addition to
wearing masks, all staff and guests will have their temperatures
checked. Those with temperatures of 100.4 and above will not be
admitted. We have installed partitions at the ticket counter and
information desk. The number of guests will be limited, and we will
require everyone to maintain a safe distance. We also have set up an
aggressive schedule of cleaning and disinfecting all areas
throughout the day. For example, our theaters will be thoroughly
disinfected after every performance.
Q: How many visitors will be allowed in?
A: The limit will be 175 guests in the museum at any one time,
spread over thousands of square feet of exhibition space.
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Q: What if I show up and you’re already at the maximum visitor
limit?
A: In most cases, we are not able to sell tickets at the door.
Therefore, visitors must buy tickets online at
www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov or by telephone at
217-558-8844. This arrangement allows us to manage the start times
for visitors so there’s always enough room. Guests who may have
challenges in arranging tickets online will receive onsite
assistance.
Q: Are large groups still allowed to visit?
A: Yes, with limitations. Groups of 15 to 30 guests may continue to
book through Visit Springfield
www.visitspringfield
illinois.com.
Groups must be booked two weeks prior to the visit date.
Q: Will I still be able to eat lunch at the museum?
A: No. Our restaurant will not be open.
Q: Will the gift shop be open?
A: Yes.
Q: Will all parts of the museum be open?
A: Everything except for the “Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic” children’s play
area (and, as noted above, our sandwich shop).
Q: Will the library be open, too?
A: Not right away. We expect to have a library schedule finished
soon. Until then, researchers can find information on our website,
by calling the reference desk at 217-524-6358, and by emailing
ALPLM.reference@illinois.gov.
Q: What days and times will you be open?
A: The museum will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
Q: Will the museum still offer special shows and visits by
historic interpreters?
A: Our two theater presentations, “Lincoln’s Eyes” and “Ghosts of
the Library,” will continue, although with more space between
audience members. People portraying historic generally won’t make
appearances.
Q: What about appearances by authors, presentations by ALPLM
experts and other public events?
A: We will not offer any in-person public events in the near future.
We will, however, continue providing online presentations by our
staff and outside experts.
Q: What about lockers, wheelchairs and strollers – will you still
provide them for guests? If you do, how can I be sure they’ll be
safe?
A: We will provide wheelchairs and strollers to anyone who needs
them. They will be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly between uses.
We strongly recommend leaving unneeded items in your car, but
lockers will be available and cleaned after each use. Any items left
in the coat room will be thrown away at the end of day.
Q: Can I rent the museum or library for an event?
A: Yes. Events are currently limited to a maximum of 50 guests based
on what part of the ALPLM you’re renting. Our rental program is
taking reservations and coordinating with customers to book larger
events up to two years out.
Q: I have more questions. Who do I contact?
A: Please send an email to
clare.thorpe
@illinois.gov or call
217-558-8844.
[Christopher Wills] |
