Museums team up for reflection on former Gov. James Thompson

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Chicago History Museum are teaming up to reflect on the career of Illinois' longest-serving governor.

The retrospective on Gov. James "Big Jim" Thompson's 14 years in office will take place June 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chicago History Museum's Robert R. McCormick Theater.

Mark DePue leads the Lincoln Presidential Library's Oral History Program. He says Thompson's political legacy "casts a long shadow" even in retirement. DePue will moderate a panel conversation featuring some of Thompson's top aides. That list includes Deputy Gov. Jim Fletcher, press secretary David Gilbert, budget director Bob Mandeville, and policy director Paula Wolff.

The 81-year-old former governor also plans to attend the event. Thompson served as governor from 1977 through 1991.

___

Online:

Chicago History Museum: http://bit.ly/2qOp6XO