A Little Rock icon is marking a milestone. The Old State House Museum will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14.
The historic structure served as Arkansas’ first state capitol building, with construction starting in 1833. After capitol operations moved and a number of various functions took place in the space, including serving as the Arkansas War Memorial Building, it officially became the OSHM in 1951, “dedicated to preserving the history of Arkansas from statehood to today.”
Friday’s celebration will coincide with the monthly 2nd Friday Art Night activities from 5-8 p.m. There, a new exhibit titled “Enduring Image: Arkansas’ Old State House” will make its debut on the first floor of the East Wing galleries exploring the history of the building and grounds. Visitors are encouraged to wear 1950s cocktail attire and can expect food and drinks from the same era, live music from the Diamond Empire Band and hands-on activities for all ages.
On Saturday, the festivities continue downtown with music from the late 1940s and early 1950s, refreshments, more hands-on activities and official remarks marking the occasion. The event will take place from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
OSHM is part of Arkansas Heritage, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. It is open to the public 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.
Learn more on the OSHM website, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.
Gov. X.O. Pindall in front of what was then the Arkansas State Capitol, 1907.