In Chicago, a group of remarkable women who have lived through a century of history experienced another milestone on Wednesday.
These centenarians were among the first to get a glimpse inside the Obama Presidential Center.
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On Wednesday, the Obama Presidential Center continued its preview tours, offering a special visit for women who have witnessed not just the history of the Obama presidency, but countless other significant events.
Mary Lee Stiger, who celebrated her 105th birthday last month, was among the attendees.
“I remember the Depression,” Stiger shared. “I lived through it.”
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She is part of Club 100, people over one hundred years old. On Wednesday, she was riding in style to visit the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.
Stiger and two other Club 100 members were brought to the center in limousines.
Alicia Heslup Evans and Ruth Person, both 100 years old, and Stiger got a personal welcome from the center’s incoming Executive Vice President John Roberson.
“It’s is an honor and a pleasure to be able to welcome you,” Roberson said. “This is not just a museum this is a place of celebration because we realize this place only exists because of the work that you all did we stand on your shoulders.”
“The things that they have seen to this point and gone through for their families for the world this is a brief victory that they are experiencing and they will be able to share through their family lineage,” Club 100 organizer Helen Riley said.
“I know I’ve seen a whole lot that other people haven’t seen, and they will never see it, but I’m hoping things get better than they are now. I’m not pleased with how things are moving,” Stiger said. “I want to see where everybody loves each other and everybody respects each other… I’m hoping they change and let me see it at least.”
The ladies spent more than two hours in the museum, and ABC7 was told there were lots of emotions recalling memories and gratitude for being able to witness this moment in history in person.
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