CHICAGO — Excitement is building as plans for the Obama Presidential Center continue to progress. With a significant milestone in sight, Chicagoans are being offered a new way to engage with this historic project.

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On a bustling Tuesday, Valerie Jarrett, the CEO of the Obama Foundation, shared this development with the members of the City Club. In her address, she highlighted the opportunities for local involvement and detailed the plans leading up to the grand opening.

Mark your calendars: the opening ceremony is scheduled for June 18, and the center will welcome the public the following day, June 19. Situated on Chicago’s South Side, the Obama Presidential Center promises to be a landmark of both historical and cultural significance.

“President Obama envisions an opening that is not just ceremonial but also enjoyable for everyone who has supported him throughout his journey,” Jarrett expressed, emphasizing the inclusive and celebratory nature of the event.

In preparation for the center’s launch, 170 new hires are gearing up to receive training for their roles, ensuring that the center runs smoothly from day one.

170 people have been hired and start training next week for their assignments.

Jarrett said they are now looking for local volunteers.

“A big part of how we are going to interface with the public is through volunteers so we announced today that we are going to be recruiting 75 to 100 volunteer that will be our ambassadors,” Jarrett said.

All past presidents will be invited, but President Trump is not on the list for the opening on Juneteenth.

“It’s really going to be a celebration for all those supporters and people who were part of the administration people who worked with our administration and it’s really their opportunity to celebrate in the success. So, we would more than welcome President Trump after the opening for a tour of the center at a date and time of his choosing,” Jarrett said.

The Center has the presidential museum, an auditorium, a public library, home court for basketball, as well as a playground and gardens.

Jarrett shared there will days of events following the opening specifically for the community.

The foundation estimates 600,000 people will visit the center each year and they anticipate visitors will be a boost for the economy in particular for South Side communities.

To learn how to get involved, click here.