U.S. Marshals Museum matching campaign tops $5 million

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 19 views 

Little Rock residents Pat and Jim Wallis have pledged $500,000 to support the U.S. Marshals Museum’s “New Frontier of Giving” matching campaign. The campaign, first announced in March, was created with an anonymous $12 million donation.

The campaign, which will raise $24 million for the Fort Smith-based museum if successful, will help the museum improve access, civic education, and better manage the history of the nation’s first federal law enforcement agency, according to museum officials.

The Wallis pledge boosts the matching campaign to $5.08 million, the museum noted in a press release. Other donors include Fort Smith-based ArcBest, which also donated $500,000 to the campaign.

“George Washington understood the necessity of maintaining a strong vigil for the protection of freedom and justice in our nation,” Wallis said. “His concept for creating the U.S. Marshals has proven worthy in their ability to protect and defend. The Marshals Museum brings that historic truth to life through exciting and educationally stimulating exhibitions. It is a great gift to us all.”

Wallis founded ExOK, an Oklahoma City-based energy exploration firm, and was for decades its chairman, president, and CEO. The University of Tulsa graduate co-founded six companies, including the former Tulsa-based Western National Bank. He has held leadership positions with the Oklahoma City Association of Petroleum Landmen, the American Association of Petroleum Landmen, and the Oklahoma City Petroleum Club.

“The U.S. Marshals Museum is deeply grateful to Jim and Pat Wallis for their extraordinary generosity and belief in our mission,” said Ben Johnson, museum president and CEO. “Their gift reflects a profound appreciation for the history, values, and continued relevance of the United States Marshals Service. Through this campaign, supporters like Jim and Pat are helping ensure the Museum remains a national center for education, reflection, and civic understanding for generations to come.”

The 53,000-square-foot museum is located near the Arkansas River in downtown Fort Smith. The museum opened on July 1, 2023, after 16 years of fundraising, construction and speculation. In January 2007, the U.S. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. The Robbie Westphal family, led by Bennie Westphal and Robin Westphal Clegg, donated the riverfront land for the museum. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in September 2015.

The museum is a nonprofit that does not receive operating funds from the city, state or federal government.