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Press Release
Free Admission Adds
Momentum to the Continuing Success of the McCormick Freedom
Museum
Contact: Abby Taylor
ATaylor@McCormickTribune.org
312 222 3188
Chicago, Dec. 22, 2008
The launch of free admission has been a booming success for
the two-year old McCormick Freedom Museum, drawing in more than
100,000 visitors— between November 2007-December 2008—including
17,500 students, who had an opportunity to learn the importance
of having a voice and exercising First Amendment rights.
“The goal of the Freedom Museum is to demonstrate that we
all have something meaningful to contribute to American democracy,”
said Dave Anderson, executive director, Freedom Museum. “Our hope
is that a visit will inspire visitors to consider a lifelong
commitment to civic engagement.”
More than 17,000 students visited the Freedom Museum
this year, a record number since its opening in 2006.
Various studies indicate that many students today hold
a number of misconceptions about the First Amendment.
A visit to the FM allows students to explore their freedoms
through interactive exploration, discovering actions that
other students have undertaken in the struggle for Fist
Amendment freedoms. The Museum’s goal is to inspire students
to contemplate what freedom means to them and provide them with
opportunities to question, understand and ultimately value their
freedoms.
“While it is true that students have greater
restrictions on what they can and cannot say at school,
they do indeed have First Amendment rights,” said Courtney Brouwer,
student and teachers programs manager, McCormick Freedom Museum.
"Students voices are among the most powerful in the nation,
and it is part of the Museum’s mission to inspire visitors—especially
teens—to understand freedom and the role the First Amendment
plays in protecting freedom.”
By offering free admission throughout the 2008 presidential election
season, the Freedom Museum provided visitors with an opportunity
to learn about First Amendment rights and become motivated to
more fully appreciate and participate in the democratic process
“We are incredibly pleased with the success of the Freedom Museum
throughout 2008,” said Dave Anderson, executive director, McCormick
Freedom Museum.” We hope that throughout 2009 even more visitors
come to the Museum to learn about our rights as citizens and
their effect on today’s most pressing issues. Our interactive
exhibits allow visitors to register their own opinions and see
how they compare with others.”
Upcoming Programs and Exhibits
The Freedom Museum has several exciting programs and exhibits coming
up in 2009.
I Wish to Say…Letters to the Next President
November 15, 2008-January 25, 2009
Lower taxes. Universal healthcare. Energy independence. If given the
opportunity what message would you send to the next U.S. president?
Stop by the Freedom Museum and find out what your fellow Americans
have to say in the new temporary exhibit, I Wish to Say: An
Installation by Sheryl Oring. Visitors are also invited to contribute
their messages using a vintage typewriter. All messages will be sent to
President-elect Obama during his first couple months in office.
The American President: Associated Press Photo Exhibit
January 31-April 5, 2009
As we prepare to swear in a new Commander in Chief, the Freedom
Museum invites you to remember important presidential moments
throughout time. Our new exhibit, The American President, features
more than 80 historical images from the Associated Press. The photographs
show presidents at war and at ease, in victory and defeat, running for
office, and leading the nation while confronting national crises or
facing personal scandals.
Discussion with Senator George McGovern
Thursday, January 15
6-7:30 pm
Legendary politician, George McGovern joins the Freedom Museum
for an enlightening program about his new book, Abraham Lincoln:
The American President Series. In the discussion McGovern will
offer insight on why Americans hold Lincoln is such high regard
and why he remains the standard by which all of his successors are
measured. McGovern will also provide his thoughts on the future of
President-elect Barack Obama.
To learn more about Freedom Museum programs and exhibits visit,
www.FreedomMuseum.US or call 312 222 7871.
McCormick Freedom Museum
The McCormick Freedom Museum (www.FreedomMuseum.US) inspires
generations to better understand, value and protect freedom.
Through interactive exploration, visitors gain a greater understanding
of the struggle for freedom in the United States and the role the
First Amendment plays in society. The Freedom Museum is part of the
McCormick Foundation, which also includes the Robert R. McCormick
Museum, Cantigny Park and Golf, the Cantigny First Division
Foundation and five grantmaking programs.
A focus on children, communities and country binds the Foundation and
its many parts and keeps us true to our mission of advancing the
ideals of a free, democratic society. To learn more, please visit
www.McCormickFoundation.org.
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