These seven Arkansas museums feature histories and exhibits that will captivate groups including the Gangster Museum of America
Arkansas is home to a variety of beautiful natural attractions, but it also features a slew of fun places to visit indoors. These Arkansas museums, while not widely known, are sure to capture your attention with their enlightening exhibits and eclectic collections.
KLIPSCH MUSEUM OF AUDIO HISTORY
During his lifetime, Paul W. Klipsch accomplished significant firsts with the new phenomenon, audio. He was the first person to prove it was possible to make and reproduce accurate audio. He created a revolutionary loudspeaker called the Klipschorn. This is the only speaker in the world that has constantly been in production for more than 70 years.
For his contributions and achievements, Klipsch was inducted into the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame. The Klipsch Museum of Audio History in Hempstead County relays Klipsch’s advancements in audio and his principles. Artifacts such as the first loudspeaker Klipsch made, and items from his personal collection, are on display. Groups can experience a personal guided tour of the museum.
SOUTHERN TENANT FARMERS MUSEUM
In Tyronza, the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum opened in 2006. It is located in the historic Mitchell-East building, which was the unofficial headquarters for the Southern Tenant Farmers Union before moving to Memphis.
Exhibits focus on the farm labor movement in the South and the sharecropping agriculture system. There are photographs, artifacts, news reel footage from the 1930s and oral history excerpts. Additionally, there are interactive exhibits with poems, interviews of former union leaders and South Tenant Farmers Union songs. Group tours are available with advanced notice. Similarly, there is an opportunity for an after-hours tour.
ESSE PURSE MUSEUM
This Arkansas museum is definitely a unique experience, being one of only three women’s handbag museums in the world. Located in Little Rock, ESSE Purse Museum looks at the history of 20th century women through handbags and their contents. Using the accessory and its items, women’s stories of the 1900s are told with illustrations of the times.
ESSE Purse Museum in Arkansas
There are temporary exhibits that change quarterly, portraying experiences that highlight the museum’s mission to empower and honor all women. An example of such is the exhibit on glasses and sunglasses. In addition, the shop isn’t filled with typical souvenir trinkets, but high-quality handbags and other accessories by artisans from all over the world.
SULTANA DISASTER MUSEUM
On April 27, 1865, a steamboat on the Mississippi River named the Sultana became the greatest maritime disaster in U.S. history. The boat was traveling to Cairo, Illinois with around 2,000 paroled Union POWs. It was only designated to carry 376 passengers, but a corruption of bribes caused the sidewheel steamboat to become overweight. Along with the fast current of the river, the boilers exploded killing nearly 1,200 people.
The Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion tells the story of the tragedy along with the events that led up to it. In addition, the history of the boat, its construction and passengers on board are also displayed. It sheds light on the stories of the rescuers of drowning survivors as well. Photos, artifacts and a 14-foot replica of the Sultana are used to help guests understand the event. Guided tours are available to offer an in-depth history.
DAISY AIRGUN MUSEUM
By 1888 the Plymouth Iron Windmill Company was close to liquidating. Inspired by an air gun manufactured nearby, they produced an air gun made of metal. It was used as a premium when a farmer purchased their Daisy windmill. The farmers were more interested in the air gun and soon Plymouth was out of the windmill business and producing guns. By the 1950s the factory was becoming obsolete and the company moved south. Since 1958 Rogers has been home to the Daisy Manufacturing Company.
The Daisy Airgun Museum showcases air guns dating all the way back to the 1600s. It also provides a chronological exhibit of the Daisy Manufacturing Company with viewings of advertising and old packaging. The shop holds the current line of Daisy products for guests to take home. The Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun became a part of the iconic movie, A Christmas Story. When Ralphie made the famous gun his Christmas wish, his Mother’s immediate response is legend, “No, you’ll shoot your eye out!”
GANGSTER MUSEUM OF AMERICA
During the 1920s, 30s and 40s, Hot Springs hosted some of the most notorious gangsters in America. The town used to be run by Owen “The Killer” Madden, who was exiled from New York. The history of the 1920s, 30s and on are presented in this enthralling Arkansas museum.
There are six galleries with Madden and Al Capone deserving their own, while others feature The Power Brokers, The New York Connection, The Outlaws and The Casino gallery. Galleries showcase items like slot machines from popular local casinos, period photos and a Victrola owned by Capone’s brother. Tours are available for groups detailing facts about the gangland period.
MUSEUM OF NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Established in 2006 in Bentonville, the Museum of Native American History preserves Native American artifacts and relays the history and culture of the first Native American Indians. There are more than 10,000 artifacts housed in the museum, such as tools, artwork and personal effects.
Museum of Native American History
Exhibits span from the Paleo (the oldest man) time when mastodons walked the earth to the start of Pre-Columbian civilizations (e.g. the Inca). In addition to the captivating exhibits, this Arkansas museum offers activities for people to experience and hear about the culture of Native Americans. Groups can listen to oral tales as told by storytellers, participate in the experience of creating artwork, or even learn how to make traditional dishes. Self-guided tours are available to allow guests a quality experience.
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By Ayumi Davis
