New Press Release

Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA) Elects Sameer Somal and Dr. Cecily Zander to Board of Directors

The Abraham Lincoln Association, one of the nation’s most respected historical organizations, established in 1908, has named Mr. Sameer Somal, Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum Board Member,  and Dr. Cecily Zander of the University of Wyoming, to its Board of Directors. The organization also re-elected ten board members.

The ALA has long stood as a leading authority on Lincoln scholarship, convening researchers and preserving primary sources that shape the public’s understanding of Lincoln’s life and leadership. Mr. Somal and Dr. Zander join a distinguished group of historians, scholars, and civic leaders committed to advancing Lincoln’s legacy. The ALA’s landmark publication, The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler, remains a foundational resource for Lincoln and Civil War scholarship.

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‘This museum is a gem’

Lincoln’s Celebratory Dinner

Picture this: It is 1837. A young and ambitious Abraham Lincoln and his eight close Whig allies, the group known as the Long Nine, have just secured a major political victory. They have orchestrated the successful vote to move the Illinois capital to Springfield. To mark this turning point, they gather for a dinner right here. This was more than a celebration. It was the moment Lincoln staked a new chapter for the future of Illinois.

The Location

This building once hosted the celebratory banquet. Here on this very spot the Long Nine, the legislators who secured the move of the Illinois state capital from Vandalia, raised their glasses to a triumphant future.

The Occasion

It was more than a meal. It marked the crowning success of the Long Nine’s hardest legislative fight. Their victory secured the needed votes, overcame firm opposition, and set Springfield permanently as the seat of state government.

Lincoln’s Role

Lincoln rose to give the evening’s toast and, with it, opened the next stage of his political career.

Visit the Long Nine Museum

  • Individual/Family Visit

abrahamlincolnmuseum

Ideal for solo historians or families exploring the past together. Wander through Lincoln’s early career at your own pace, with visits available by appointment for a more personalized experience.

  • Self-guided visits available by appointment

  • Guided tours offered by appointment between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

  • Complimentary audio guides are included

Schedule your visit

  • Group/Student Visit

Ideal for schools, clubs, and organizations. Bring your groups for a guided experience with advance, appointment-based booking.

  • Customized tours available by appointment for groups of 10+ people

  • Dedicated tour guide arranged per scheduled visit

  • Access special discounted group rates

Request your group visit

Recent Articles

Stay connected with the stories that shape our history. Dive into our latest blogs for new discoveries, upcoming exhibits, event highlights and fascinating insights into Abraham Lincoln and the Long Nine. Get a closer look at the people, places, and moments that continue to inspire us today.

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Why Visit Us

Authentic Artifacts

See the original documents and personal items from Lincoln’s era

Expert Guides

Meet our historians. They bring deep knowledge and a true passion for…

Special Events

Join us for lectures, workshops, and living history that bring the past to life.

Family Friendly

See the original documents and personal items from Lincoln’s era

abrahamlincolnmuseum

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.

Abraham Lincoln | April 6, 1859 |

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Our visitors Feedback

Do not take our word for it. See what families, students, and historians say about their Long Nine Museum experience.

The Ultimate Hidden Gem for History Lovers

The Long Nine Museum is a unique treasure. Most sites feel like a replica, but here you are touching the real geography of a turning point in Illinois history. The attention to detail in the exhibits and the focus on unprompted advocacy and honesty are refreshing. It is a peaceful and reflective space that inspires you to think about your own legacy and how you treat the people in your own life.

Elena Rodriguez

Cultural Historian

A Masterclass in Leadership and History

Standing in the exact room where Lincoln and the Long Nine celebrated their victory was a profound experience. It is rare to find a museum that focuses so deeply on the formative years and the relationship capital that built a legacy. The board has done an incredible job of making 19th-century strategy feel applicable to the modern world. This is not just a tour; it is an education in integrity and collective advocacy.

Marcus Reynolds

Executive Leadership Consultant

Bridging the Past with the Digital Future

I was impressed by how the museum connects historical artifacts with modern concepts like digital stewardship and ethical leadership. As someone who follows the work of Sameer Somal and Blue Ocean Global Technology, I appreciated the focus on reputation and the willing heart. The guides are passionate, and the stories of the Long Nine are a powerful reminder that our success is built on the support of those around us.

Sarah Jenkins

Digital Brand Strategist

An Essential Visit for Students of All Ages

Our school group had a customized tour that was both engaging and deeply informative. The historians moved beyond just dates and facts to show the human side of Abraham Lincoln. They explained how his habits as a young lawyer and legislator shaped his national prominence. Seeing the original documents in the very building where

David Thompson

Secondary Education Principal

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your visit is simple. Find clear answers here about tickets, tours, accessibility, and hours. If you have a question not covered, reach out through our Contact Us page. We are always glad to help!

  • Because the Long Nine Museum is a preserved historical site, we prioritize a high-touch experience for every guest. By booking in advance, you ensure that a historian or guide is available to walk you through the specific rooms where Lincoln and his allies gathered. This allows us to maintain the integrity of the building while giving you a personalized look at the artifacts that most people never get to see in a crowded setting.

  • Most museums are modern structures housing old items, but our museum is the actual physical space where the dinner happened. When you stand in this room, you are standing on the exact spot where a 27-year-old Lincoln gave his triumphant toast. It is a rare opportunity to occupy the same geography as a turning point in American history. We view the building itself as the most important artifact in our collection.

  • Yes, we tailor every tour to the audience. For families, we focus on the storytelling and the personal habits that made Lincoln a humanist first. For the student groups, we dive deeper into the political strategy and the relationship capital the Long Nine used to move the state capital. Our goal is to make the 19th-century lessons of leadership feel immediate and practical for the modern world.

  • Through our partnership with leaders from Blue Ocean Global Technology and Girl Power Talk, we use the museum as a classroom for character. We believe Lincoln’s ethical framework is the best model for today’s digital world. Our blogs and exhibits explain how his discipline and honesty are the ultimate tools for building a resilient reputation and a sustainable legacy today.

  • We recommend reading our latest articles on Lincoln’s writing and ethical leadership before you arrive. Understanding the digital truth of his early career will help you appreciate the artifacts much more. If you have specific historical interests, feel free to reach out through our contact page so our guides can prepare a narrative that aligns with your curiosity.

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