News from the Arsenal
Spring 2008
Welcome to the newest feature on our Web site, News from the Arsenal, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History’s online newsletter. This is a new feature for those of you who frequent the Web site and for those joining us for the first time--welcome!
Arsenal Tidbits
Last year the Museum celebrated its sixth anniversary since opening in 2001. It was a busy year of tours at the Museum with over 71 schools and 14 adult groups visiting. In addition to the Museum tours taken by school groups, our education staff kept very busy presenting off-site at 25 outreach programs for adults and students including teacher workshops. In the year 2007, the Museum saw a record number of visitors, finishing off the year with 33,602 visitors.
If you have not visited the Museum lately, we have added some new exhibits you'll want to see:
- “The Forgotten War: Arkansas and the Korean War”
- “Pride and the Fall: Mapping the Rise of Conflict in the 20th Century”
For future exhibit openings, see also Upcoming events.
Recent Acquisitions Exhibit
In the World War II gallery, the Museum will spotlight individual
artifacts each month. This month the featured artifacts
belong to the collection of Lt. Col. Leslie E. Baskin, who was a field
dentist during WWI and WWII. His collection is featured on our Web site
under Recent Acquisitions.
Check back each month to see the latest exhibit.
Noteworthy News
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Museum to Participate in AMA Conference
In March 2008, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will participate in the annual Arkansas Museum Association's conference. Learn more about the AMA.
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Korean War Memorial Continues to Inspire
Since opening in June 2007, the Korean War Memorial located next to the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in historic MacArthur Park continues to draw a crowd. The beauty of the bronze statues and granite slabs etched with the story of the Korean War is a tangible reminder of those who fought and died for our state and country. The emotional Memorial ensures the sacrifice of those who served will not be forgotten and is a must see when visiting the park or Museum. The marble slabs are etched with the names of the 461 Arkansas soldiers who died in the Korean War. The bronze sculpture depicts two Korean children seeking aid from a medic and an American soldier. The Memorial also features the flags for South Korea, the US, and soldiers missing in action. A granite archway quotes President Coolidge, "The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten."
To learn more about the Arkansans who fought in the Korean War, visit the Korean War Memorial Foundation Web site.
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Museum Gets Grant for David O Dodd Educational Program
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Work begins on Historic Porches
Important Dates to Remember
February—Black History Month—Visit the Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit.
March— Women’s History Month—Book a school or outreach program.
Artifact of the Month—Women in the Military
