Strengthening its leadership with new board members, the Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum reinforces its commitment to preserving history and celebrating Lincoln’s enduring legacy.

(PRUnderground) October 30th, 2025

The Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Chris Reichert, Mayor of Athens, and Sameer Somal, testifying expert witness and entrepreneur, who resides in Pennsylvania. Their addition strengthens the museum’s commitment to preserving Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and marks a new chapter in community engagement.

“The museum is more than a historic site. It’s a reminder of the teamwork and vision that helped shape Illinois,” said Joe McMenamin, Long Nine Museum Board Chair. “We want visitors to feel the energy and determination of the Long Nine, and we’re excited to have two new esteemed board members who share that passion.”

Housed in the historic Col. Matthew Rogers Building (built in 1831-32), the Long Nine Museum commemorates the famous 1837 banquet held in honor of Abraham Lincoln and his fellow legislators known as the “Long Nine.” These nine representatives from a then larger Sangamon County, all notably tall men, were celebrated for their role in moving the Illinois state capital from Vandalia to Springfield.

“I’m honored to serve both as Mayor of Athens and as a board member of the Long Nine Museum,” said Chris Reichert. “This institution is a point of pride of our community, and it’s a privilege to help ensure its history continues to inspire people from Athens, Springfield, and across the world.”

Lincoln regularly delivered mail to the post office in the building where he was Postmaster in neighboring New Salem. Through exhibits, dioramas, and carefully preserved artifacts, the museum offers visitors a unique view into Mr. Lincoln’s formative years and the civic spirit that shaped Illinois. Its mission is to keep this local and national history alive while shaping dialogue, education, and civic pride for new generations.

“Those who have come here—Museum visitors and the general public alike—have I hope understood that we have applied ourselves to learning more about the events that occurred within and outside the four walls of this very old Museum building,” says Jim Siberell, curator of the Long Nine Museum. “We’re still learning, just like everyone else.”

The Museum highlights not only the 1837 banquet held in the building, celebrating the passage of the capital relocation bill, but also Lincoln’s associations with those in Athens and the surrounding area, during the time that he lived in neighboring New Salem and even after he had moved to Springfield.

Museum Board member Guy Fraker, noted Lincoln historian, added: “The Long Nine Museum both allows us to remember the past and connect that history to today. It shows how collaboration, vision, and perseverance can change the course of a community. That message feels as relevant now as it did in Lincoln’s time.”

The Long Nine Museum has become a vital link between Lincoln’s early career, Athens’ civic heritage, and Illinois’ broader history. The Museum was established in the early 1970s by a core group of history-minded individuals. They were supported in their efforts by dozens of area residents. Later, in the late 1980s, Athens native John Eden – who was also involved in the 1970s work – purchased the Col. Rogers Building and re-established the Museum, operating it for several decades thereafter.

“Given my reverence for Mr. Lincoln, it’s simply a privilege to join the board,” said Sameer Somal, co-founder of LegalExperts.Ai. “History has the power to bring people together and to guide us in building strong and resilient communities. There are few, if any, better examples of people from history that we can learn from than Abraham Linocln. I look forward to stewarding the museum’s work in preserving Lincoln’s legacy and expanding its reach to new audiences.”

With fresh leadership and new energy, the museum looks ahead to expanding its programs and deepening its impact as both a cultural and educational hub.

About Long Nine Museum

Located at 200 S. Main St. in Athens, Illinois, the Long Nine Museum offers a rich historical experience centered around the early life of Abraham Lincoln. The museum is named after the “Long Nine,” a group of nine men, including Mr. Lincoln, who served in the Illinois Legislature during the 1830s. During this time, Abraham Lincoln, who was the postmaster of New Salem, frequently visited the post office in the Col. Matthew Rogers building to collect mail. The museum also explores the broader history of Athens, showcasing the landscape and community that influenced Abraham Lincoln’s early career. It highlights significant historical sites related to Mr. Lincoln, such as his time in New Salem, his role as a surveyor, and his work in the Illinois state legislature. Visitors can also learn about the “Spoon River Route” and other key roads used by Abraham Lincoln during his travels. The Long Nine Museum serves as an essential resource for those interested in exploring Mr. Lincoln’s formative years in Illinois and offers a deeper understanding of the historical context of the time. In 2005, the building became listed on the U.S. Department of Interior’s “National Register of Historic Places” and in 2008 a “Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition” wayside marker was installed near the building.

About LegalExperts.Ai

LegalExperts.Ai is a pioneering platform redefining how legal resources are accessed, applied, and scaled in the digital age. Headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, our vision is guided by timeless principles of integrity, fairness, and service to others. LegalExperts.Ai was built to make the legal world more open, accessible, and accountable. It serves as a comprehensive public platform connecting clients to lawyers, paralegals, consulting experts, private investigators, and expert witnesses, offering each a clear path to credibility and opportunity. This centralized hub provides premium visibility, measurable insights, and trusted access, empowering people and organizations to navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and confidence. Born in the heart of Mr. Lincoln’s America, LegalExperts.Ai carries forward his legacy by building a company for the future that he himself would be proud to be a part of, one where justice, innovation, and integrity work hand in hand to serve the greater good.

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Original Press Release.