Menard County, IL (PRUnderground) November 14th, 2026
The Menard County Heritage Society has launched a new website featuring information about the history and heritage of Menard County, Illinois, making it more accessible to residents, descendants, researchers, and visitors.
The website brings together information about the people, places, and events that have shaped the county, with a particular focus on its connections to Abraham Lincoln. It also provides a central resource for those interested in exploring the region's heritage and learning how to support local history preservation efforts.
The Society was founded by Kyra Leinberger, Athens Mayor Chris Reichert, and Sameer Somal, who share a commitment to documenting and preserving the county's historical legacy. Leinberger is a lifelong Menard County resident and descendant of the county's original settlers. Mayor Reichert brings his commitment to the community and its history, while Somal, an entrepreneur and speaker, serves on the boards of the Abraham Lincoln Association and the Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum, bringing a particular interest in preserving Abraham Lincoln's legacy and his connections to the region.
"Preserving local history is a shared responsibility, and it takes the commitment of people who believe these stories are worth protecting and passing on," said Mayor Chris Reichert. "We hope the website will help more people support the preservation of Menard County's heritage."
"History is about understanding the people and stories that shaped the community we know today," said Leinberger. "The new website gives us another way to share that history and make information accessible to people wherever they are. We hope it encourages more people to explore Menard County's past and take an interest in preserving it for future generations."
A central part of the new website is Abraham Lincoln's legacy and his connection to Menard County. Visitors can explore his time in New Salem, his surveying work associated with Petersburg, and his ties to Athens and the "Long Nine." These connections offer a closer look at the communities and experiences that formed part of Lincoln's early life and public career, while placing his story within the broader history of Menard County.
"Lincoln's connection to Menard County offers an important perspective on the places and experiences that shaped his early life and public career," said Somal. "Preserving these connections helps us understand Lincoln's story through the history of the communities and people who were part of it."
The Menard County Heritage Society's new website is now live at https://menardcountyheritagesociety.org. Visitors are invited to explore the website, learn more about Menard County's history, and discover ways to connect with and support local heritage preservation.
About Menard County Heritage Society
The Menard County Heritage Society is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing the history and heritage of Menard County, Illinois. Through historic preservation and community engagement, the Society works to keep the stories, places, and experiences that shaped the County accessible to present and future generations.
About Kyra Leinberger
Kyra Leinberger holds a bachelor's degree in History, summa cum laude, from Benedictine University at Springfield. She is also a member of Athens City Council.
About Mayor Chris Reichert
A member of the Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum, Chris Reichert brings municipal leadership and unwavering commitment to preserving the history and heritage of the Lincoln community. Through his work with the Long Nine Museum, he helps preserve the historic property in Athens and share the story of the legislators, including Abraham Lincoln, whose efforts helped move Illinois' state capital to Springfield. His leadership reflects a practical, community-driven approach grounded in both local service and the region's rich Lincoln legacy.
About Sameer Somal
A seasoned testifying expert witness, entrepreneur, global keynote speaker, and active leader in the Lincoln community, Sameer Somal serves on the Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Association and the Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum. His work with the Long Nine Museum reflects his longstanding commitment to preserving and advancing the history and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the men who shaped Illinois' early political history. Sameer is also helping develop Abraham Lincoln Scholars, a 501(c)(3) initiative dedicated to creating a trusted research and educational resource for the study of Lincoln. Through his community engagement, he brings Lincoln's leadership and civic ideals into conversations about contemporary issues.
About Abraham Lincoln Scholars
Abraham Lincoln Scholars (ALS) is a community of scholars and historians joined by one purpose: to build the most comprehensive guide to the life of Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln Scholars gathers primary sources, historical context, and the best of modern scholarship in one place, open to the curious beginner and the seasoned student alike, offering not facts alone, but understanding drawn from evidence, context, and honest inquiry.
At Abraham Lincoln Scholars, the novice may find a place to start, and the scholar a place for continued discovery. Through the careful gathering of primary sources, historical context, and thoughtful exchange, Abraham Lincoln Scholars seeks to illuminate not only the life of Lincoln but also the character and principles that shaped him. The study of Abraham Lincoln has the power to shape one's character and enlarge one's understanding of life. Through his example, readers may grow in judgment, humility, and purpose. Abraham Lincoln Scholars is supported by sponsors including Legal Experts AI.
