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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers sensory friendly afternoon

Jan. 29 event is latest in ‘Abe for All’ initiative

Continuing its “Abe for All” initiative, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will offer a sensory friendly afternoon for people who may be overwhelmed by intense light, strong sounds and large crowds.

The event runs 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29.  Audio will be lowered throughout the museum, and lighting will be adjusted to reduce extremes and create a more fluid atmosphere.  Some special effects will be turned off, and a quiet room will be available.

The museum will be open to anyone, not just people with sensory difficulties.  Regular prices apply.

Advance registration is not required.  A pre-visit packet that ranks areas of the museum based on their potential to overstimulate is available.  It can be obtained in the “Plan Your Visit” section of our website or by emailing ALPLM.GuestEntry@Illinois.gov.

The ALPLM also offers “busy bags” with a variety of fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, sensory maps and other tools that make visits more comfortable for people with sensory issues.

Other “sensory friendly Sundays” are scheduled for the last Sunday of July and October.

“Abe for All” is an initiative to make President Lincoln’s legacy more accessible to everyone, including those who are autistic, deaf, disabled and more.  The ALPLM is holding a series of events as it learns how it can be more welcoming to people.  The project launched last year with events for the Deaf community and people with sensory processing issues.

“Everyone deserves to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s accomplishments and his continuing impact on America.  That means the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has a duty to make its campus as inclusive as possible,” said the ALPLM’s executive director, Christina Shutt.  “We’re committed to learning and improving so we can truly offer Abe for all.”

Anyone with suggestions on how the ALPLM can offer a more welcoming experience can call 217-558-8844 (TTY/TDD 1-888-440-9009) during business hours or email ALPLM.GuestEntry@Illinois.gov.

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.  

For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov or follow the ALPLM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.