News from the Arsenal

Summer 2008

Arsenal Tidbits

The Museum staff has been very busy since the first of the year with 12,679 visitors to date. Over the past several months, the education staff has presented programs on President’s Day, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, a Civil War program, and changes in warfare over time. The Museum also saw numerous school tours during these months, visiting from as far away as Eureka Springs, Fort Smith, and outreach programs in Bald Knob. In May we wished Graduate Student Lauren Jarvis farewell after two years of work with the Museum on collections, acquisitions, and exhibits. Lauren, who is seeking a Masters in Public History, accepted the position of Archivist at the History Commission. We wish Lauren well in her career.

MacArthur Park News

Flag Day Salute

On Saturday, June 7, the Little Rock Wind Symphony and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military Heritage hosted the annual Stars and Stripes concert in the park to salute Flag Day. Woodmen of the World provided free flags and Blue Bell Creameries provided free ice cream. Several local Boy Scout troops volunteered their assistance to hand out ice cream and pick up trash. A flag retiring ceremony was performed before the concert.

Arkansas Heritage Audio Tour

In May the MacArthur Park Group announced the availability of an audio walking/driving tour of 23 historic locations throughout downtown Little Rock. The Museum Art and Heritage Trail Map allows you to trace the path of historical political events, people, and places that helped shape our city and state. You can download the tour from www.LittleRock.com/audiotour. The tour is available for MP3 players, CDs, or in print.

Collections and Exhibits

Artifacts featured this month focus on the involvement of women during World War II. Over 400,000 women served in the United States military in various roles from nurses to communication specialists. View more information about this wonderful collection of artifacts on loan to the Museum.

Noteworthy News

Museum receives grant to assist with work on historic porches
Museum announces Vietnam Exhibit to open January 2010

Important Dates To Remember

July 3, 2008—Opening of the Alger Cadet Exhibit

July 4th, 2008—Independence Day (Museum closed), Anniversary of the Battle of Helena

Upcoming Events

September 26-27—World Fest - Clinton Presidential Park

October 31, 2008—Big-Booseum Bash

November 14, 2008—Teacher workshop on David O Dodd at ACC Conference

December 2008—Holiday Open House at the Arsenal

January 2010 — Vietnam exhibit opening