Lawmakers To Ask Questions About Lincoln Hat, Museum Future
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A state House committee plans a hearing to consider questions surrounding the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
The Tourism, Hospitality & Craft Industries Committee on Tuesday will review a $26 million collection of Lincoln artifacts the organization's fundraising foundation purchased and the more than $9 million remaining on the loan.
Included is an iconic stovepipe hat purportedly belonging to Lincoln. A September report revealed secret research on its history that the foundation commissioned failed to produce a concrete link.
That has hindered the foundation's efforts to get $5 million in state tourism tax receipts for debt-relief and strained relations with museum administrators.
Chicago Democratic Committee Chairwoman Ann Williams says she wants to avoid finger-pointing in favor of ensuring the institution's future stability.
Both foundation and museum officials will attend.
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