Lilly Talks Education, Economic Impact with Museum Advocates

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, met recently with advocates for Illinois museums and cultural institutions for Museum Day in Springfield.

“Museums, from art institutions and local heritage centers to arboretums and zoos, provide vital opportunities for education and recreation,” said Lilly. “And in Illinois museums aren’t just spaces for education, fun, learning, and leisure, they are also economic engines providing thousands of jobs and billions in economic output.”

Lilly, the Chairperson of the House Museums, Arts, & Cultural Enhancements Committee, met with advocates for museums and cultural institutions at the Illinois Association of Museums annual Museum Day at the Illinois State Capitol. Lilly discussed the educational services Illinois museums provide, including nearly 3.5 million hours of instruction to schoolchildren and the over 120,000 teachers supported through professional development programs. Additionally, Lilly discussed the economic impact of museums in Illinois, which support over 6,000 jobs, draw in approximately 21 million visitors as one of the top attractions for tourists, and which have an economic output of over $2 billion dollars.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work museums in our state do to provide a space for education and learning that is accessible, fun, informational, and recreational,” Lilly added. “I want to thank the many people who make this happen from scientists and zoologists to curators and guides to the thousands of volunteers who assist in the mission and operation of museums and cultural institutions.”