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About
Long Nine Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Chris Reichert, Mayor of Athens, and Sameer Somal, testifying expert witness and entrepreneur, who resides in Pennsylvania. Their addition strengthens the museum’s commitment to preserving Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and marks a new chapter in community engagement.
“The museum is more than a historic site. It’s a reminder of the teamwork and vision that helped shape Illinois,” said Joe McMenamin, Long Nine Museum Board Chair. “We want visitors to feel the energy and determination of the Long Nine, and we’re excited to have two new esteemed board members who share that passion.”
Housed in the historic Col. Matthew Rogers Building (built in 1831-32), the Long Nine Museum commemorates the famous 1837 banquet held in honor of Abraham Lincoln and his fellow legislators known as the “Long Nine.” These nine representatives from a then larger Sangamon County, all notably tall men, were celebrated for their role in moving the Illinois state capital from Vandalia to Springfield.
“I’m honored to serve both as Mayor of Athens and as a board member of the Long Nine Museum,” said Chris Reichert. “This institution is a point of pride of our community, and it’s a privilege to help ensure its history continues to inspire people from Athens, Springfield, and across the world.”
Through exhibits, dioramas, and carefully preserved artifacts, the museum offers visitors a unique view into Mr. Lincoln’s formative years and the civic spirit that shaped Illinois. Its mission is to keep this local and national history alive while shaping dialogue, education, and civic pride for new generations.
“Those who have come here—Museum visitors and the general public alike—have I hope understood that we have applied ourselves to learning more about the events that occurred within and outside the four walls of this very old Museum building,” says Jim Siberall, curator of the Long Nine Museum. “We’re still learning, just like everyone else.”
The Museum highlights not only the 1837 banquet held in the building, celebrating the passage of the capital relocation bill, but also Lincoln’s associations with those in Athens and the surrounding area, during the time that he lived in neighboring New Salem and even after he had moved to Springfield.
“I’m honored to serve both as Mayor of Athens and as a board member of the Long Nine Museum,” said Chris Reichert. “This institution is a point of pride of our community, and it’s a privilege to help ensure its history continues to inspire people from Athens, Springfield, and across the world.”
Through exhibits, dioramas, and carefully preserved artifacts, the museum offers visitors a unique view into Mr. Lincoln’s formative years and the civic spirit that shaped Illinois. Its mission is to keep this local and national history alive while shaping dialogue, education, and civic pride for new generations.
“Those who have come here—Museum visitors and the general public alike—have I hope understood that we have applied ourselves to learning more about the events that occurred within and outside the four walls of this very old Museum building,” says Jim Siberall, curator of the Long Nine Museum. “We’re still learning, just like everyone else.”
The Museum highlights not only the 1837 banquet held in the building, celebrating the passage of the capital relocation bill, but also Lincoln’s associations with those in Athens and the surrounding area, during the time that he lived in neighboring New Salem and even after he had moved to Springfield.
“I’m honored to serve both as Mayor of Athens and as a board member of the Long Nine Museum,” said Chris Reichert. “This institution is a point of pride of our community, and it’s a privilege to help ensure its history continues to inspire people from Athens, Springfield, and across the world.”
Through exhibits, dioramas, and carefully preserved artifacts, the museum offers visitors a unique view into Mr. Lincoln’s formative years and the civic spirit that shaped Illinois. Its mission is to keep this local and national history alive while shaping dialogue, education, and civic pride for new generations.
“Those who have come here—Museum visitors and the general public alike—have I hope understood that we have applied ourselves to learning more about the events that occurred within and outside the four walls of this very old Museum building,” says Jim Siberall, curator of the Long Nine Museum. “We’re still learning, just like everyone else.”
The Museum highlights not only the 1837 banquet held in the building, celebrating the passage of the capital relocation bill, but also Lincoln’s associations with those in Athens and the surrounding area, during the time that he lived in neighboring New Salem and even after he had moved to Springfield.
