Ameritech Donates $2 Million to Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan today accepted a $2 million grant from The Ameritech Foundation to fund the Ameritech Holavision Theater in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

"Ameritech's generosity will help us to protect and promote Abraham Lincoln's legacy," said Mrs. Ryan, President of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Foundation. "We are delighted that a high-tech corporation with strong ties to Illinois is helping to build this state-of-the-art learning facility dedicated to America's Greatest President."

The $2 million grant will fund the 7,000-square-foot, 250-seat Ameritech Holavision Theater in the museum portion of the two-building complex. The theater will feature a program entitled "Ghosts of the Library," which weaves an enchanting tale about the mystery and discovery involved in working with a great historical archive such as the State of Illinois' Lincoln Collection.

"Ameritech believes in bringing together the strength of today's new technology to enhance and expand the reach of education. Abraham Lincoln was a firm believer that innovations to improve our society began with providing greater knowledge and tools to individuals," said Edward Mueller, president and CEO of Ameritech. "We share that belief and are committed to preserving Abraham Lincoln's legacy, both in Illinois and nationally, for this and all future generations. Today, we challenge other corporations across Illinois to join us in support of a national treasure."

The technology to be used in the Ameritech Holavision Theater is owned by BRC Imagination Arts, the firm designing the exhibits and shows for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. During the "Ghosts of the Library" show, state-of-the-art theatrical illusions will combine with a dramatic, live performance to bring the Lincoln Collection magically to life. Through the power of Holavision special effects, misty versions of historical figures and events will share the stage with a live actor as viewers are transported on a detective's journey into the past.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a $115 million, two-building complex being built in downtown Springfield. The Library building will house the state's 46,000 item Lincoln collection, which is equal to the combined Lincoln collections of the National Park Service, the National Archives and the Smithsonian Institute. The building will also be the new home of the Illinois State Historical Library, the state's foremost historical and genealogical research facility. The Museum building's interactive exhibits and artifact displays will tell the story of Abraham Lincoln's life.

Groundbreaking ceremonies will take place on February 12, 2001, Lincoln's birthday. The library building will be completed by late 2002 and the museum portion in 2003. The Presidential Library and Museum is being paid for with a combination of state, federal and City of Springfield funds as well as private donations. Construction of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will be overseen by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

The Ameritech Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Ameritech and its parent company SBC Communications Inc., along with the SBC Foundation, addresses community needs in the areas of education, community economic development, health and human services, and culture and the arts. Since its formation in 1984, the SBC Foundation has distributed nearly $600 million in grants, United Way support, and employee outreach programs focused primarily within SBC's core service areas. It is an independent foundation funded by SBC Communications Inc. and its family of companies.