The Illinois State Museum, located next to the statehouse in Springfield, is being renamed for the late U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon.
Dixon passed away last year, but he left behind a legacy of service and the ability to work in a bipartisan manner.
Several Illinois leaders gathered for the dedication ceremony. House Speaker Michael Madigan started as a state representative in 1971, when Dixon was a state senator.
"He was always a joy to be with," Madigan said. "Always a laugh, old story, reminiscing about whatever it may be which concerned a bottle of beer."
Current Secretary of State Jesse White applauded Dixon for his improvements to the office. He says Dixon took away political pressures from his employees and worked hard for the people of Illinois.
"I've known Alan for a long period of time, and I know that he loved his family, his community, his state and his country, and above all, Alan Dixon was a family man and of course he had a love for public service."
After the ceremony, Dixon's wife and son revealed a plaque that commemorates the renaming of the building.
