Clayborne resolution honors Alan Dixon, renames state museum

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate adopted a resolution Thursday renaming the Illinois State Museum after former lawmaker Alan Dixon.

State Senator James Clayborne, D-Belleville, sponsored the resolution honoring the Belleville native who served Illinoisans as a state representative, state senator, treasurer and U.S. senator.

the Illinois House had already approved the resolution, and it does not need the governor’s signature.

“Alan Dixon was a dedicated public servant and a committed pursuer of knowledge, justice and peace. It’s hard to think of a more fitting way of memorializing his years of service and legacy than placing his name on a building devoted to preserving Illinois’ heritage,” Clayborne said.

Dixon began his career in Illinois government when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1950 when he was 22 years old. He retired from the U.S. Senate in 1993.

Dixon passed away July 6, one day before his 87th birthday.

The Illinois State Museum is located on the Capitol grounds in Springfield.