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The Paul Findley Congressional Office Museum is one of the few congressional office museums in the United States. The museum is in historic Whipple Hall on the Illinois College campus in Jacksonville, Illinois. This museum is dedicated to former congressman and alumni (class of 1943), Paul Findley. The Paul Findley Congressional Museum currently displays artifacts collected during his life and work.

History
The Paul Findley Congressional Office Museum was established in 2011 to collect, preserve and make available manuscripts and artifacts related to the career of Paul Findley, a former member of the House of Representatives.

Current Collection
The museum's collection contains material related to Paul Findley's career in the U.S. House of Representatives, his interest in Abraham Lincoln and his involvement in the quest for universal human rights and justice in the Middle East. Artifacts displayed in his office include Abraham Lincoln's 1837 law office sofa, Findley's congressional office desk, items from Findley's service in World War II and his many campaigns and numerous gifts from international figures, including Yasser Arafat. The Findley Collection also includes the manuscripts, correspondences and records from his time in Congress. The manuscripts include correspondence, speech texts, publication drafts and photographs. Congressional papers are stored in the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archive in the library and are currently available to researchers by appointment. The museum currently interprets several exhibit themes including:

Paul Findley's Lincoln Collection The West wall is devoted entirely to Findley's prized possession, the Lincoln law office sofa, and related displays. Findley obtained the Lincoln sofa in 1978 when the Pennsylvania Historical Society credited him with finding the National Park Service as a prospect for sales.

Peace Making These artifacts relate to Findley's quest for peace among nations.

Human Rights It includes civil rights advances in America, attempts to improve understanding and peace between Christians and Muslims in America and in the Middle East, as well as the enforcement of constitutional restrictions on war powers.

Military Service This group of artifacts presents World War II experiences of his wife Lucille. Included are nearby mementoes of both their World War II days in the navy.

Fun and Miscellaneous This is an assortment of items, some serious, some fun, together with artifacts of Findley's work on agricultural policy, domestic and foreign, and groups of miscellaneous items in glass cases.

Display Case The display case holds autographed pictures from Yasser Arafat, small statues, and awarded medals.

Famine Prevention The glass table is filled with many unique items from Findley's Congressional days and mementoes of his work in agriculture.

Serving Seven Presidents Paul Findley has worked with seven presidents during his lifetime such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan.

Family and Friends The south wall of the main room contains family portraits.

Experiences in Yemen The remainder of the south wall is devoted to his experiences in Yemen.

Education and Public Engagement
The Paul Findley Congressional Office Museum is excited to offer education programs and host tours and events for audiences of all ages. As a unique resource at Illinois College, the museum collaborates closely with campus departments and groups to enhance curriculum and engage students with our unique collections through hands-on learning opportunities. Faculty and staff interested in touring the museum with a class or campus group can contact the Curator to schedule a visit.

Location and Access
The Paul Findley Congressional Office Museum is located on the main floor of Whipple Hall on the Illinois College Campus. There is a small guest parking lot adjacent to Whipple Hall on the west side. Street parking is also available along the West College Avenue.

Museum Hours
The museum is open by appointment.

Donations
If visitors are interested in making a donation to the Paul Findley Congressional Office Museum and/or the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives individuals may leave a cash donation in a Developmental and Alumni Relations envelope, available in the museum or the archive. Additionally, visitors may make an online donations at http://www.ic.edu/giving.