Governor Quinn Calls for State Building to Be Named in Honor of U.S. Senator Alan Dixon

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a plan to name the Illinois State Museum Building in Springfield after the late U.S. Senator Alan Dixon. Governor Quinn initiated and is working with the Illinois General Assembly to pass a joint resolution making that designation official.

"Alan Dixon served with distinction on the local, state and federal levels and was an integral part of our state's history for four decades," Governor Quinn said. "Naming this building in his honor will help serve as a reminder of his lasting legacy of public service and his dedication to the people of Illinois."

"This is a very fitting way to honor the career of Alan Dixon who served the residents of our state with honor and energy for decades. I will be proud to sponsor this resolution," Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan said.

"Alan Dixon's legacy of bipartisanship, leadership and commitment to seeking the common good represents the best aspects of public service in our state and country," Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton said.

The Illinois State Museum at 502 S. Spring St. in Springfield will be named the Alan J. Dixon Building of the Illinois State Museum upon passage of the joint resolution.

Dixon was born in Belleville on July 7, 1927. He earned a law degree and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dixon was elected one of the youngest legislators ever to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives and served as an Illinois State Representative from 1951 to 1963. He served in the Illinois State Senate from 1963 to 1971, rising to the position of Assistant Democratic Leader. He also served as Illinois Treasurer from 1971 to 1977 and Secretary of State from 1977 to 1981. Dixon served in the U.S. Senate from 1980 to 1993, and was chairman of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission in 1994 and 1995. Dixon died on July 6, 2014 and is survived by his wife, Joan "Jody" Fox Dixon, three children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The Illinois State Museum inspires discovery and caring about Illinois' cultural and natural resources and heritage. The museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities throughout the state. All State Museum facilities are open to the public free of charge.