Jim Edgar elected president of Lincoln Library Foundation

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced Former Governor Jim Edgar will serve as president of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Foundation Board. The board oversees the planning, fundraising and policy-making efforts of the Foundation.  Edgar, the Governor's nominee, was formally elected at the Foundation's Wednesday meeting.

 

"Jim Edgar introduced the concept for the Lincoln Presidential Library in his administration's final budget and has retained interest in its development ever since.   He was my first choice to lead the Foundation into the future and I feel certain he will do an outstanding job reaching out to corporate donors and the general public as the Library and Museum approach completion," said Governor Blagojevich. 

                                   

The Foundation also approved world-renowned presidential historian Richard Norton Smith, who will serve in dual roles, directing both the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Foundation; and 14 additional Foundation members, all nominated by Governor Blagojevich.

 

At Smith's request, and with Governor Blagojevich's strong approval, the Foundation's chief operating officer will be Susan Mogerman, Executive Director of Downtown Springfield, Inc. and former Director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

 

Edgar noted that the Foundation has its work cut out for it if the Foundation is to meet the ambitious goals outlined by Smith in the years leading up to the Bicentennial of Lincoln's birth in 2009.

 

"The State made a major commitment to construct the three-block complex of buildings with help from the federal government and the City of Springfield, and to fund the day-to-day functions of the Library and Museum," Edgar said.  "But additional funds will be needed to develop the ongoing activities that will keep the facilities vibrant, current and attractive to national and international audiences.  Our job will be to build the endowment and ensure funding for programs that will grab public attention immediately and maintain support over time."