(whitehouse archives.gov)

A historical marker will be erected later this year on the grounds of the Old State Capitol to commemorate Barack Obama’s presidential campaign announcements from the building’s lawn.

The Old State Capitol Foundation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced it is putting a marker on the 15th anniversary of Obama’s Feb. 10, 2007, announcement in Springfield that he would seek the presidency.

“This marker of Obama’s historic announcement at the Old State Capitol will ensure his story will forever be a part of Illinois’ history. And alongside the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, this marker brings another presidential monument to Springfield, fostering tourism from visitors near and far alike,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Obama, a former Illinois state lawmaker, was a U.S. senator representing Illinois when he announced his bid for the presidency from the Old State Capitol with his family.

“Thousands of people came out on that cold, wintry day 15 years ago to hear Barack Obama’s historic announcement,” said David Joens, president of the Old State Capitol Foundation. “He chose to announce his candidacy at the Old State Capitol because of its historic ties to Abraham Lincoln, but he was also making history himself. That history needs to be recognized, and a permanent marker will do that.”

Valerie Jarrett, chief executive officer of the Obama Foundation said Feb. 10, 2007, was an unforgettable day.

“I am thrilled that the Old State Capitol Foundation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will help preserve the significance of that history for future generations with this marker,” Jarrett said.

Eighteen months later, on Aug. 23, 2008, Obama returned to the Old State Capitol for another major announcement – that U.S. Senator Joe Biden of Delaware would be his running mate.

Obama was elected the nation’s 44th president on Nov. 4, 2008, and Biden became vice president. Both served two terms.

Artists’ renderings of the historical marker have been completed. The marker will be placed on the Old State Capitol lawn in a public ceremony later this year.

“Barack Obama’s historic announcements from the Old State Capitol were significant events in Illinois history, and it’s entirely appropriate that we pause today to reflect on their importance during Black History Month,” said Colleen Callahan, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Funding and design of the historical marker is the result of a partnership among the Old State Capitol, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois State Historical Society, and the Obama Presidential Library.