Some were wowed by the feeling of sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office replica.
One visitor thought of all the people who helped build the place — because she’s married to one of them.
And still others were just overwhelmed by remembering what the election of the first Black president meant to them, and to the country,
That’s just a few of the thoughts from the visitors lucky enough to score much-coveted tickets to the museum of the Obama Presidential Center on its grand opening.
They were among thousands of visitors from across the country who packed nearly every corner of the campus in Jackson Park Friday to celebrate a place and a president on Juneteenth.
Delores Mcclendon, 45, Englewood
Delores Mcclendon spent hours touring the museum, but one installation in particular gave her the chance to relive one of the most significant moments not only of her own life, but for many others as well.
Mcclendon said the exhibit that stood out most was a video replaying the day former President Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election.
“I remember that night, sitting there watching with my family,” said Mcclendon. “We were all shedding tears as he was getting closer and closer to winning. We were rejoicing.”
But before he became president, Obama was her neighbor, she said.
“He’s from Chicago and that’s the most exciting thing to me,” said Mcclendon. “To know that somebody that came up in the same community, and made it this far, made such a great impact in our nation, is incredible.”
Denise Smith, 72, South Chicago
Sitting in the presidential chair inside a replica of President Barack Obama’s Oval Office. Denise Smith said the experience offered her a glimpse into what his life may have been like.
“To be able to sit behind the desk and just kind of soak in the photos that he had of his family, it was an amazing opportunity,” said Smith.
Smith said Obama was an “inspiration for all people.”
“He is just a breath of fresh air,” she said. “Someone with integrity, especially in times like this, is so important.”
Janice Murdock, 62, Auburn Gresham
As Janice Murdock walked through the replica of the Oval Office, she said she couldn’t help but reflect on how far Black Americans have come.
“It’s overwhelming,” she said. “To be able to sit in the seat that [Barack Obama] sat in is awe-inspiring.”
The moment felt even more meaningful as opening day coincided with Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating emancipation, and one giving Black Americans an opportunity to celebrate freedom.
Murdock said the museum is a reflection of everything Obama was able to accomplish.
“He continues to give us so much hope,” said Murdock. “He set a standard that we so long looked for.”
Verena Jimenez, 33, West Lawn
Verena Jimenez said she enjoyed walking through the museum and taking in the artwork, but what made the experience especially meaningful was knowing her husband played a role in building a piece of history.
Victor Guevara, was among the construction workers who helped build the Obama Presidential Center. His name is engraved on the Worker Appreciation Wall, a permanent installation honoring the thousands of people who worked on the project.
Guevara smiled shyly as his wife spoke about his accomplishment.
“It’s been a great experience,” he said.
He and his wife brought their children to the museum on opening day, where Jimenez said she was grateful to get a glimpse at Obama’s legacy.
“He is one of the greatest presidents this country has ever seen,” she said. “He’s impacted our family and thousands of other people.”
Terrence Tarver, 46, Washington D.C.
Terrence Tarver grew up in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Now living in the nation’s capital, he said he felt compelled to return home to witness the “historic” opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
Tarver said it was difficult to choose a favorite exhibit or installation because, to him, the museum represented “the best and brightest that America has to offer.”
The Chicago native said Obama was “a force of light” who continues to give people hope.
“The museum will give young people something to look forward to,” said Tarver. “It will give older people something to continue to dream for. It will be a symbolism of what success can be and what it looks like.”
Monique Armstead, 61, of New Jersey
Monique Armstead, who has always had an eye for fashion, said she was awed when she saw Michelle Obama’s gowns on display at the museum.
Armstead said Michelle Obama is an inspiration for many Black women, showing what can be achieved.
“She is a beautiful person,” said Armstead. “She helped create all of this so she deserves to also be celebrated.”
Armstead called the Obamas “icons” and said she was grateful to have had the opportunity to visit the museum.
“They are world leaders,” she said. “They are caring, giving people.”
Cookie Yarbrough, 59, of Las Vegas
Like many others, Cookie Yarbrough loved the opportunity to walk through the replica of Barack Obama’s Oval Office, but there was one thing on display that caught her eye.
Yarbrough said she loved seeing a copy of the welcome letter George W. Bush wrote for Obama when he became the 44th president of the United States.
The letter was displayed inside an open drawer in the president’s desk.
“To be able to read those words was amazing,” she said. “He was the first Black president, and it was important to see he was embraced by others.”
Yarbrough said Obama’s leadership was “legendary” and that what he accomplished during his presidency changed the country “for the better.”