About the Museum
We are committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the Long Nine and Abraham Lincoln. Learn how this small group of legislators helped shape the history of Illinois and the course of Lincoln’s life.
Our Mission
The Long Nine Museum tells the pivotal story of Abraham Lincoln’s early political career and the remarkable group of legislators known as the Long Nine. Through original artifacts, interactive exhibits, and engaging programs, we bring to life their 1837 fight to move the state capital to Springfield, a decision that helped set Lincoln on his path to national prominence.
The Birth of the Long Nine Museum
The story of Long Nine Museum begins here, in the Colonel Matthew Rogers Building. In 1836, this structure, which served as a post office and general office, became the crucial setting of Abraham Lincoln and the other legislators in their campaign. They were preparing to formally introduce the legislation that would successfully relocate the Illinois State Capital to Springfield. This building marks the spot where Lincoln’s political future truly began.
Preserving a Legacy
After more than a century of service to the community, the Colonel Matthew Rogers Building, site of the historic Long Nine gathering, gained recognition for its central place in Illinois history. In the early twentieth century, local historians and community leaders worked to preserve it. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, securing its place as a landmark of Lincoln’s early political life and the founding of Springfield as the state capital.
A Historic Home Restored
The year 1972 marked a major commitment to the future of the museum. Following the initial efforts to save the building, dedicated community groups and historians began the intensive project to fully restore the Colonel Matthew Rogers Building to its 1830s appearance. The restoration was crucial, ensuring that every visitor today can step inside and experience the authentic atmosphere where Abraham Lincoln’s early political destiny unfolded.
Education and Engagement Expand
By the 1990s, the focus of the museum expanded far beyond the building’s physical restoration. We launched new educational programs, and interactive exhibits dedicated to sharing the Long Nine’s legacy with a broader audience, including schools and universities. This period marked a commitment to engagement, ensuring that the principles of Lincoln’s early career were accessible and relevant to a new generation of visitors.
A New Era of Innovation
Today, the Long Nine Museum honors its deep historical roots while embracing a new era of innovation. We are continuously developing new interactive digital exhibits, online educational resources, and immersive programs to connect Lincoln’s principles of integrity and discipline to contemporary challenges. Our goal is to ensure the legacy of the Long Nine remains a powerful, living story for every generation.
Board of Directors
The Long Nine Museum is guided by a dedicated team of historians, educators, and community leaders who share a passion for preserving history and inspiring future generations. Their collective vision ensures we remain a trusted, vital source of learning and reflection.
Guy Fraker
Abraham Lincoln Historian
Guy Fraker
Abraham Lincoln Historian
About Him
Fraker was born April 27, 1938, in St. Joseph, Missouri and grew up in White Plains, New York He graduated from the University of linois (BA, 1960) (LLB, 1962). He practiced law in Bloomington, llinois from 1962 until his retirement in 2014. This took him to most of the counties of the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
He has written two books about the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The first was Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidendy, the Eighth Judicial Circuit, which was published in 2012, with a paperback edition reissued in October 2023. The second book, Looking for Lincoln in Illinois – a Guide to Lincoln’s Eighth Judicial Circuit, was published in 2017. Southern Illinois University Press is the publisher of both books. Fraker has written and spoken extensively about Lincoln on the Circuit, not only in the State of Illinois, but at various other venues around the country. He has led over 50 tours of the Circuit.
He was consultant on and participant in Abraham Lincoln: Prelude to the Presidency, an award-winning nationally distributed documentary produced by WILL-TV (PBS) He was Co-curator of Prologue to the Presidency, a permanent exhibit at the David Davis Mansion, a state historical site in Bloomington, IL.
For several ears he served as an Instructor at OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Illinois. From 2013 to 2017, he served as Chairman of Looking for Lincoln, the action arm of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
He was consultant on and participant in Abraham Lincoln: Prelude to the Presidency, an award-winning nationally distributed documentary produced by WILL-TV (PBS) He was Co-curator of Prologue to the Presidency, a permanent exhibit at the David Davis Mansion, a state historical site in Bloomington, IL.
He was consultant on and participant in Abraham Lincoln: Prelude to the Presidency, an award-winning nationally distributed documentary produced by WILL-TV (PBS) He was Co-curator of Prologue to the Presidency, a permanent exhibit at the David Davis Mansion, a state historical site in Bloomington, IL.
Joe McMenamin
Attorney of Law
Joe McMenamin
Attorney of Law
About Him
Joe McMenamin plays a key role in the museum’s leadership, focusing on its growth as a community landmark. He is passionate about the “why” behind the history—making sure the legacy of the Long Nine isn’t just a list of facts, but a source of inspiration for the next generation. Joe’s work helps bridge the gap between the historical significance of the 1830s and the modern community of Athens today.
Chris Reichert
Mayor of Athens
Chris Reichert
Mayor of Athens
About Him
Chris is dedicated to the preservation of the physical history that makes the Long Nine Museum unique. He focuses on the stories of the men who stood alongside Lincoln, ensuring that their collective ambition in the 1830s is felt by everyone who visits. Chris works to maintain the museum as a place where the grit of central Illinois history is preserved for the long term.
Jim Siberell
Long Nine Museum Historian
Jim Siberell
Long Nine Museum Historian
About Him
Jim Siberell has been involved with the Lincoln “Long Nine” Museum for over twenty years, beginning in about 2003 when he first visited the Museum. His association with former (and late) Museum Director, John Eden, also began at that time. Although then residing in southern Ohio, he was able to regularly come to the Athens area to visit the Museum, and where he and Eden would meet and “talk history”.
In 2006, Siberell and Eden co-authored “Looking at Abraham Lincoln’s land, the historic Sangamon region of central Illinois”. In 2009, he authored “Coming to Illinois – Abraham Lincoln and the ‘Long Nine of old Sangamon’ ”, which described the activities of Lincoln and the other “Long Nine” legislators, as well as some of their ancestors, up to the time when the “Long Nine” legislators themselves arrived in Illinois (by the early 1830s).
He has also authored two other books, both on the subject of Lincoln’s “Hanks” ancestry, as well as a number of articles for the “Lincoln Herald” journal. He is a retired Engineer, with a 29-year career in several Engineering/Construction companies.
Sameer Somal
Entrepreneur & Abraham Lincoln Historian
Sameer Somal
Entrepreneur & Abraham Lincoln Historian
About Him
Sameer Somal serves as the CEO of Blue Ocean Global Technology and is the Co-Founder of Girl Power Talk. He brings a deep foundation in finance and ethics to the Board, holding the distinguished credentials of CFA Charterholder, CFP Professional, and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).
Leveraging his expertise in digital transformation and risk management, Sammer is highly respected testifying subject matter expert witness in areas including economic damages and intellectual property. He actively contributes to the legal Community by authoring CLE programs for the Philadelphia Bar Association.
A passionate student of history, Sameer is an active member of Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA), the American Bar Association (ABA), and the Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB). His commitment to leadership development extends to his service on the Boards of Future Business Leaders of America and Girl Power USA.
A graduate of Georgetown University, he previously held leadership roles at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and Scotiabank. Sameer severe is recognized for his leadership, receiving the CFA Institute 2022 Inspirational Leader Award and being named as an iconic leader by Women Economic Forum.
No one has needed favors more than I, and generally, few have been less unwilling to accept them.
Abraham Lincoln | June 13, 1836
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
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!
- What is the deeper significance of the Long Nine name?
The Long Nine refers to a group of seven representatives and two senators from Sangamon County who were remarkably tall for their time. While their height was their nickname, the real story lies in their collaborative leadership. They successfully campaigned to move the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield in 1837. This was a masterclass in relationship capital and collective advocacy that forever changed the trajectory of Illinois and Abraham Lincoln’s political journey.
- Why is the Colonel Matthew Rogers Building considered the birthplace of Lincoln’s future?
In 1836, this building served as the hub where the Long Nine gathered to strategize. It was here that Lincoln transitioned from a local postmaster and surveyor into a sophisticated political strategist. We view this structure not just as a museum but as a digital and physical shield for the truth of Lincoln’s early development. It is the site where his reputation for integrity and his skill in unprompted advocacy first met on a grand scale
- How does the Board of Directors ensure the museum stays relevant today?
Our board is comprised of historians and global leaders who believe that the principles of the 1830s are more relevant than ever in our modern digital world. For example, Sameer Somal brings a perspective of digital stewardship and global reputation management, while our historians provide the authentic foundation of the 19th century. We focus on building a bridge between Lincoln’s humanist leadership and the needs of today’s entrepreneurs and students.
- Does the museum focus solely on Abraham Lincoln?
While Lincoln is the most famous member of the group, the museum is dedicated to the power of the collective. The other eight members of the Long Nine provided the support and synergy Lincoln needed to succeed. We teach that success is never a solo journey. It is a function of interpersonal relationships and the willingness to support others without a personal agenda. This is the same philosophy we champion through our work at Girl Power Talk and Blue Ocean Global Technology.
- How can I contribute to the preservation of this legacy?
Preservation is a form of stewardship that requires both financial support and the sharing of knowledge. You can donate through our website or become a museum member to support our living history programs. More importantly, you can contribute by practicing Lincoln’s habit of the willing heart in your own community. By sharing these stories of integrity and character, you help us maintain a digital and cultural truth that inspires future generations.