Safety of guests will continue to be top priority
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum will begin welcoming visitors again on Monday, Jan. 25, with clear, simple safety protocols to protect all guests.
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 [email protected].
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.
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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.
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.visitspringfieldillinois.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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] or call 217-558-8844.
