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Study: Lincoln Museum & IHPA Should Stick Together

Rachel Otwell

A panel looking at whether to separate Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum from the state's historic preservation agency released its findings Wednesday.

Convened at the request of both entities, the study recommends keeping the same oversight. Legislation has been proposed to split them apart. The report also suggests a reorganization of the state agency to improve what it calls the cultures of "politics" and "research."  Bernard Reilly of Chicago was among the panel members. He says the current relationship is inefficient.

"A realignment of the Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency would make sense in terms of economics, rather than splitting the museum and library off as a separate agency."

A statement from the museum says its board will take the findings of the study under consideration. It will make its own report to the governor and legislature.