Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola will proclaim Tuesday “Historic Arkansas Museum Day” at a celebration commemorating the museum’s 75th anniversary.
The Little Rock museum, once known as Arkansas Territorial Restoration, officially opened in July 1941. Chris Hancock, spokesman for the museum, said having a day declared as Historic Arkansas Museum Day honors both the museum and the city.
“Our museum grounds are a preserved remnant of Little Rock’s oldest neighborhood. We’ve been an important part of this city from the very beginning. And, even more recently, I believe that downtown Little Rock is experiencing a renaissance and Historic Arkansas Museum is one of those anchors that persisted through those years of decline and is now beginning to see the city bloom again,” said Hancock.
To commemorate its 75th anniversary the museum is offering free admission to the grounds 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 19. Activities for patrons of all ages will be hosted throughout the day. An anniversary reception, which will include live music, cupcakes, and proclamations by former Senator David Pryor and Mayor Mark Stodola begins at 5 p.m.
As part of a year-long celebration of its anniversary, Hancock said museum visits will be free to school groups in 2016 using its new "Bill Worthen Future of History Fund". Reservations are still required, however.
