Chicago Selected as Home for Future Obama Library

Hawai‘i officials submitted a written response advocating Honolulu as the host location for the Barack Obama Presidential Center. The effort was led by the University of Hawai‘i. In an announcement in May, 2015, the Barack Obama Foundation announced that Chicago’s South side had been selected as its choice.  Courtesy photo, Barack Obama Presidential Center.

By Wendy Osher

The Barack Obama Foundation announced that it has selected Chicago’s South Side as the future home of the “Barack Obama Presidential Center” and library.

The Foundation also intends to have a presence in Hawai‘i and at Columbia University in New York—both of which were finalists as potential partner institutions.

In June, Hawaiʻi officials formally submitted a written response advocating Honolulu as the host location for the Barack Obama Presidential Center. In September, the Foundation had narrowed the list and announced that Hawaiʻi was on the “short list” for consideration.

The president’s sister, Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng said the foundation will begin developing joint programs with the University of Hawaiʻi and other local partners.

In a statement released today, UH president David Lassner said the partnership will create an incredible opportunity for students, faculty and staff that will enrich the educational experience at the university.

The Hawaiʻi proposal included plans for telling the president’s story and creating an interactive museum and visitor center on the Obama presidency and its connections to Hawaiʻi. At the time Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui was among those who spoke in support of the project saying, ” our global orientation, multicultural population, robust visitor industry, and unrivaled natural beauty make Hawai‘i a logical destination to house and nurture the President’s legacy.”