The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has been granted accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, a status that recognizes the ALPLM’s "exemplary practices” as a museum of national importance.
Only 3 percent of America’s museums are accredited. Those that earn accreditation usually apply several times over many years before demonstrating they qualify. The ALPLM was accredited on its first try after a review process of just two years.
"The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is one of Illinois’s finest institutions, and I’m glad to see the American Alliance of Museums recognize its exceptional role in telling President Lincoln’s story,” said Governor JB Pritzker. "The ALPLM is a worthy guardian of Lincoln’s legacy and a leader in the field, and I congratulate them on their accreditation."
ALPLM Executive Director Christina Shutt said: "Accreditation is a testament to the hard work of everyone at the presidential library and museum, from top to bottom. It’s also a testament to the support this institution receives from the people of Illinois. We would not be able to protect the state’s historic treasures without the resources and enthusiasm they provide.”
Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. Reviewers met with ALPLM employees and volunteers, as well as community representatives. They examined museum exhibits, education programs, library services, technical support and more.
"The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum serves an important role in the nation and is an institution the State of Illinois can take great pride in. The Board and staff are commended for their exemplary practices,” wrote Marise McDermott, chair of the American Alliance of Museums’ accreditation commission.
The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and sharing with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We pursue this mission through a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship built on the bedrock of the ALPLM’s unparalleled collection of historical materials – roughly 13 million items from all eras of Illinois history.
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