“The Divergent Path – Women in Arkansas History”

The Fort Smith Museum of History will present "The Divergent Path – Women in Arkansas History.  The exhibit is a glimpse into the lives of Fort Smith and Arkansas women who stepped outside society’s rules and lived their life—leaving behind legacies of good character, boundless strength and courage, and fearlessness in the face of change.

Fort Smith native, wood artist and sculptor Robyn Horn will present a program on her work for the opening of the exhibit. Mrs. Horn's work has drawn regional and national recognition, including the recent installment of her sculpture at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. She was named an Arkansas Living Treasure by the Department of Arkansas Heritage in 2008.

August 1 and 3, Dr. Nancy Hendricks will portray Hattie Caraway, the first woman elected to the U. S. Senate. Dr. Hendricks will also discuss and sign copies of her recent book, Senator Hattie Caraway: An Arkansas Legacy. The book uses rare documents and unpublished photographs to tell the story of Caraway’s years in the Senate, 1932-1945. An award winning writer, historian, actress and playwright, Dr. Hendricks is Director of Alumni Relations at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
Local women featured in the exhibit include Mary O’Toole Parker, Clara Eno, Caroline Scott, Melanie Holt Speer, Lura Duff Elliston II, Polly Crews, Anne Woods Patterson and Carolyn Pollan.

Opening programs on July 13 at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday 1:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Monday.

For more information visit fortsmithmuseum.com.