The Tourism, Hospitality & Craft Industries Committee on Tuesday will review a $26 million collection of Lincoln artifacts the organization’s fundraising foundation purchased and the more than $9 million remaining on the loan .
Included is an iconic stovepipe hat purportedly belonging to Lincoln. A September report revealed secret research on its history that the foundation commissioned failed to produce a concrete link.
That has hindered the foundation’s efforts to get $5 million in state tourism tax receipts for debt-relief and strained relations with museum administrators.
Chicago Democratic Committee Chairwoman Ann Williams says she wants to avoid finger-pointing in favor of ensuring the institution’s future stability.
Both foundation and museum officials will attend.