Obama Presidential Center to open as symbol of hope

What many people will regard as a symbol of hope in dark times will open in a matter of days in South Side Chicago.

The Barack Obama Presidential Center is set to debut to the public on June 19, a symbolic date that has been named Juneteenth National Independence Day, and is a U.S. federal holiday. It marks the day when the end of slavery in America was officially proclaimed – June 19, 1865, about two months after the Civil War had ended.

In this case, it will mark the day when the doors to the new Obama center open, amidst much excitement in Chicago and around the world.

“It feels like the world is waiting for this to open,” said Kristen Reynolds, the president and CEO of promotions agency Choose Chicago in a recent interview.

“Timing is everything – it was scheduled to open last year, but the fact that it is opening on the 250th anniversary of America, on Juneteenth, is so important to the Obamas, and to Chicago,” said Reynolds.

“It’s so spiritual and impactful, it couldn’t be more perfect,” she continued during a meeting at the IPW travel trade marketplace in Fort Lauderdale recently. “A lot of this response has to do with what’s going on in the world. And the Obamas represent hope. They are calling this ‘the home for hope.’”

The Obama Presidential Center Museum explores the promise and power of democracy through the legacy of former U.S. president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, says a website description. Visitors are invited to explore four levels of exhibits that tell the story of the First Family and the social movements that made their work possible. Exhibits include memorabilia from the Obamas’ time in the White House, stories of iconic moments from the president’s administration and interactive activities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The museum is situated on about 8 hectares, and includes buildings that house the museum, library, community center and athletic facilities. Most of the land has been developed as an urban park, with playgrounds and gardens that have been reclaimed from a previous road.

Public anticipation for the opening is so great that a free outdoor viewing party, populated with giant video screens, is being prepared to host those people who couldn’t get tickets for the opening. The watch party will be held on the lawns of the University of Chicago campus.

“So many people are coming, it symbolizes the high degree of interest and excitement around the opening of the Center,” said Reynolds. The design of the museum’s main building has been crafted to resemble two hands clasped together and is very distinctive, she said. There is a replica of the oval office within as well as an art gallery.

“The Obamas were intimately involved in every aspect and every detail of the design of the building,” she said.

In the photo

Choose Chicago president and CEO Kristen Reynolds.