Long Nine Museum Hosts History and Hog Roast Honoring Abraham Lincoln’s Legacy
Athens, Illinois Community Gathers for Community Event Sponsored by Legal Experts AI The post Long Nine Museum Hosts
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Athens, Illinois Community Gathers for Community Event Sponsored by Legal Experts AI
Springfield, IL (PRUnderground) September 15th, 2026
The Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum hosted its first History and Hog Roast in Athens, Illinois. The event brought together local officials, community members, historians, and visitors to celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. With food, live music and a taste of history, this event gave the Athens community a unique opportunity to share their connection to Abraham Lincoln.
The event featured remarks from several speakers, including Athens Mayor Chris Reichert; Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum Chair, Joseph E. McMenamin; and Abraham Lincoln Scholars founder, Sameer Somal.
Athens Mayor Chris Reichert reflected on the year-long effort preceding the event. “It’s been a long journey over the last year with this museum. Joe, our board chairman, invited Sameer and me to join him in figuring out how we can get more people to come to Athens, enjoy the museum and become aware of what we have here,” said Reichert. “In February, the day after Lincoln’s birthday, we held a celebration to commemorate Guy Fraker and from there decided to hold a history and hog roast event. We picked today August 1st on purpose, since two days from now marks the anniversary of the Long Nine banquet, when Abraham Lincoln and his colleagues celebrated moving the Illinois state capital from Vandalia to Springfield. That’s the special space on the second floor of the museum, and I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t been up there to go take a look.”
Additional speakers, including former USPTO head Jon Dudas, Capital Expert Services Founding Principal Dr. Alexandra Lajoux, law professor Malory Williams, Dr. Richard Williamson, Lincoln presenter Randy Duncan, and investment advisor Jake Asplundh, shared reflections on Lincoln’s life and the importance of keeping that history alive for future generations.
Athens Chief of Police Ben Harmening also spoke to the sense of pride and unity the event brings to the community each year.
Despite rain during the event, organizers adjusted accordingly, and the event carried on, serving 380 meals to attendees. Music came courtesy of Nashville recording artist Ethan Anderson.
The event was made possible through the support of several sponsors, including Legal Experts AI, Abraham Lincoln Scholars, the Melvin Wing Trust and Remax Professional, Kyle Olson. Organizers credited the sponsors’ generosity with helping the History and Hog Roast grow into one of the community’s most anticipated gatherings this year.
About the Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum
The Long Nine Museum documents the history of Lincoln and the “Long Nine,” the group of legislators who were responsible for the decision to move the Illinois state capital from Vandalia to Springfield. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
About Legal Experts AI
Legal Experts AI is a pioneering platform redefining how legal resources are accessed, applied, and scaled in the digital age. Headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, the platform’s vision is guided by timeless principles of integrity, fairness, and service to others. Built to make the legal world more open, accessible, and accountable, Legal Experts AI connects clients to lawyers, law firms, paralegals, expert witnesses, and others across the legal ecosystem, offering each a clear path to credibility and opportunity. The platform 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, Legal Experts AI carries forward his legacy by building a company for the future that he himself would be proud to be part of, one where justice, innovation, and integrity work hand in hand to serve the greater good.
