ALPLM Marks 20 Years with Special Exhibit

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) is commemorating its 20th anniversary with a striking new exhibit that highlights its journey since opening its doors in 2005. Located in downtown Springfield, the institution first welcomed the public on April 19, 2005, and quickly became one of the nation’s most beloved presidential museums, merging scholarly depth with high-impact storytelling.

The new anniversary showcase runs for six months and is located adjacent to the museum’s popular “Ghosts of the Library” exhibit. It features an array of artifacts from ALPLM’s founding days — an architectural scale model, a shovel used at the construction groundbreaking, tickets from the grand opening, and promotional posters from early exhibits such as “Blood on the Moon.” Many of the displayed items are on loan from longtime staff members, including unique mementos like a conservation-lab broom and a hard hat worn during the museum’s construction.

Executive Director Christina Shutt highlighted the dual pillars of the institution’s success: Abraham Lincoln himself and the unwavering commitment of its employees. She expressed hope that the exhibit offers visitors a moment to reflect on two decades of preserving historical treasures and creating meaningful experiences. Student intern Claire Peters, who helped curate the exhibit, described the process as a deeply personal connection to the people who shaped the museum’s identity.

As the display unfolds, BRC Imagination Arts, the design firm behind the museum’s immersive storytelling , reflects on the legacy of its “Deep Story” approach. The firm recalls how ALPLM set a new standard for museum design by stirring emotional engagement through narrative, lighting, music, and theatrical staging. Over the last twenty years, the institution has brought millions to tears, inviting empathy and civic reflection, and modeling what modern museum experiences can achieve.

Since its opening, ALPLM has welcomed roughly six million visitors, blending archival scholarship with experiential exhibits to create a dynamic public space where history and personal connection meet. The museum’s storied experiences and dedication to inclusive education remain at the core of its mission: inspiring civic engagement through the lens of Illinois history and the life of Abraham Lincoln.