THE DIRKSEN CONGRESSIONAL CENTER
- , Illinois, United States
THE DIRKSEN CONGRESSIONAL CENTER Employees
THE DIRKSEN CONGRESSIONAL CENTER Details
The Dirksen Center is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization in Pekin, Illinois, that seeks to improve civic engagement by promoting a better understanding of Congress and its leaders through archival research and educational programs. Throughout the years, The Center has proudly maintained its quality and independence through the gifted support of individuals, corporations, and foundations who believe in its educational mission. The Center is named for Everett McKinley Dirksen (1896-1969), who served in the U.S. House from 1933-1948, the U.S. Senate from 1951-1969, and as Minority Leader of the Senate from 1959 until his death in 1969. He is best known for his essential role in ushering through the Civil Rights Act of 1964.The Center has awarded over $1,100,000 in grants to more than 500 nationwide scholars conducting research about Congress since 1978, and an additional $850,000 for such special projects as publications, conferences, workshops, and directed research.To further its mission, The Center also partners with allied organizations such as the Association of Centers for the Study of Congress, the Legislative Studies Section of the American Political Science Association, the Institute for Principled Leadership and Public Service at Bradley University, the Congressional Papers Section of the Society of American Archivists, and the University Press of Kansas.
