Clinton, 180 potential donors set for Marshals Museum reception

Around 180 guests from Arkansas and around the country are expected to attend the first high-profile — but completely private — event scheduled Dec. 18 for the U.S. Marshals Museum at which former President Bill Clinton will serve as the ceremonial host.

The invitation-only event to be held at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock is designed to attract individuals who may directly or indirectly donate to the construction and operation of the museum.

In January 2007, the U.S. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. The U.S. Marshals Museum board of directors and staff are underway with what will be a $50 million national fundraising effort. It’s been estimated the fundraising effort could take up to 7 years. The roughly 50,000-square-foot museum will be built in downtown Fort Smith near the Arkansas River.

Jim Dunn, project manager for the U.S. Marshals Museum, said Gov. Mike Beebe also is expected to attend, with U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., attending if the U.S. Senate calendar allows. Dunn said he has yet to hear from the offices of U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, and U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.

Dunn said those attending will be encouraged by Clinton and others to consider supporting what is “truly a national effort” to build a museum dedicated to the U.S. Marshals Service. The overall goal of the event, according to museum staff, is to develop relationships and educate people about the project.

“We’re showcasing the building design, we’re showcasing the exhibits, and we’re showcasing the contribution the U.S. Marshals have made to the rule of law in United States history,” Dunn said when asked about the presentation. “We’re hoping that will inspire the audience to donate to the Marshals Museum.”

Some form of inspiration has already resulted in the museum raising more than $5 million in cash or pledges toward its $50 million goal. At the local level, Fort Smith-based First Bank Corp. announced Nov. 17 a gift of $500,000 to the U.S. Marshals Museum. Also, on Dec. 1 it was announced that the Richard Griffin family and Fort Smith-based companies gave $100,000 to the museum, and Fort Smith businessman Chester Koprovic gave the museum $100,000.

The Dec. 18 event marks a transition into a more active national fundraising effort, Dunn said, but added that pursuing local support will continue.

“I wish to emphasize that we are not finished with our local fundraising campaign … but this (Dec. 18) really signifies our entrance into the national fundraising effort and we’ll run these on a parallel track for some time,” Dunn explained.

He said the museum board may issue a public update on pledges and contributions during the first fiscal quarter of 2010.