PEORIA, IL.- What's in a name, you ask? Plenty, considering that naming the new, one-of-a-kind museum planned for Peoria's riverfront is a critical part of its identity and success. The museum's name will be chosen in the next few months and community residents get to help make the choice. Illinois, Indiana and Iowa residents are invited to vote on the final name choices:

ExploraSphere Museum -- The Center for Art, History, Science and Achievement

AMAZeum -- The Museum of Art, History, Science and Achievement

Port of Exploration Museum -- The Center for Art, History, Science and Achievement

Museum on the Square -- The Center for Art, History, Science and Achievement

People of all ages can go online at http://www.namethemuseum.org -- the "NAME IT" campaign runs through noon on September 13. The new name will be announced in late October.

"The museum partners worked on the naming process for many months, considering and testing hundreds of name choices before developing these finalists," said Jim Richerson, President and CEO of Peoria's Lakeview Museum.

The partner organizations collaborating on the new museum include: Lakeview Museum of Arts & Sciences, Peoria Historical Society, Peoria Regional Museum, African-American Hall of Fame, Illinois High School Association and Heartland Foundation. Caterpillar executives and Congressman Ray LaHood's office have joined them in the planning process.

"We are creating a world class museum that deserves a world class name reflecting its unique combination of art, history, science and achievement," adds Richerson. "The new regional museum and the adjacent Caterpillar Visitor Center will be an important centerpiece for the future of Peoria and this region."

"I hope that everyone in this community will take the time to give us their opinions and encourage their friends, neighbors and fellow employees to do the same," said Congressman Ray LaHood (IL-18). "Because the museum and the Caterpillar Visitor Center will have a powerful and positive impact on the quality of life in the Peoria region from both an economic and cultural perspective, everyone in the area will benefit from these important new attractions."

For more information, contact Kathleen Woith, VP of Communications, Lakeview Museum 309-686-7000 ext. 129, cell 309- 370-2125 or kathleen@lakeview-museum.org