Arkansas Attorney General provides $250,000 grant to U.S. Marshals Museum

The Arkansas Attorney General’s office has committed to a $250,000 grant to the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, the USMM Foundation announced Tuesday (Sept. 19). The money brings the capital campaign to just under $2 million of the initial $50 million goal.

The grant will go toward funding the campaign of the museum exhibits, said Susan Neyman, chief development officer and president of the foundation.

“Whether it’s through a literary icon like Rooster Cogburn or a real-life hero like Bass Reeves, Fort Smith will always be connected with the U.S. Marshals,” Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said. “I am delighted to approve this grant for the U.S. Marshals Museum, and I urge all Arkansans to visit this important collection of our state’s and nation’s history.”

The museum, which opened to the public on July 1, features a unique exterior with a modified star-shaped design signifying the star badge worn by U.S. Marshals. Inside, five immersive galleries detail the ever-evolving role of the Marshals Service. Galleries include: To Be A Marshal, The Campfire | Stories Under The Stars, Frontier Marshals, A Changing Nation and Modern Marshals.

“The State of Arkansas has been one of the top supporters of this project from the very beginning and continues with this donation,” Neyman said. “There is no doubt that having a national museum in the state will have benefits throughout Arkansas.”

Since opening on July 1, there have been more than 18,500 visitors from across the country, Neyman said.

“Now that school is back in session, we are gearing up for a significant number of school groups. We have lots of fun activities planned for the rest of 2023 and lots in the works for 2024,” she said.

The foundation has seen an increase in potential donors since opening in July, Neyman said, noting that the amount left in the capital campaign fundraising drive is just under $2 million.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee is $13 for adults, $8 for those ages 6-17, and free to military and law enforcement members. The building also has areas available for rent for special occasions and events.