November 2010

Split into two locations, the first main exhibit at The Depot, A Heritage of Determination, tells the story of the Arkansas Delta from prehistoric times to present. The story is also about the women and men of the Arkansas Delta, their triumphs and tragedies, past and present. The Native Americans who dwelt there first, and the Spanish and French explorers who encountered them, even the slaves brought here in chains, and the soldiers of the Civil War in Arkansas who fought over their freedom. The exhibit tells the Arkansas Delta story through words, photographs and artifacts, plus an exciting multi-media, searchable, computerized "scrapbook" of Delta memories and an activity for children of all ages, "The Great Boat Race."

The other location, known as the Visitors Center is home to Delta Sounds, a music area dedicated to the music of the Arkansas Delta - blues, gospel and rockabilly.

Built as a gift to the public from Harvey and Bernice Jones, Har-Ber Village is a reconstructed turn-of-the century village of over one hundred buildings and collections.

The Lighthorse were the mounted police force of the Five Civilized Tribes—the only law enforcement in the Choctaw Nation during Indian Territory times. Inside the house, everything is arranged very much as if Peter and family had just left. Papers available at the Peter Conser Home related how Choctaw lawbreakers would be told to come at the time of trial, and if convicted, would be sent home to make preparations for their punishment.

The Fort Smith Museum of History acquires, preserves, exhibits and interprets objects of historical significance relevant to the founding and growth of Fort Smith and the region. On display are exhibits that tell the story of Fort Smith's colorful history - from the first fort in 1817, through the westward expansion, and on to the Civil War, the Gay Nineties, Fort Chaffee and the emergence of a modern city.

Sequoyah is known for developing a written syllabary for the Cherokee language. In 1828 he joined a delegation sent to Washington by the Arkansas Cherokee to make a treaty to exchange their lands for lands in Indian Territory (Oklahoma).

The cabin is a typical one-room frontier home of hewn logs with stone chimney and fireplace. It is enclosed in a stone shelter, which features relics and documents associated with Sequoyah's life. Near the shelter stands a relocated log structure, dating from 1855, that once adjoined the cabin.

The Mountain Heritage Center celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachian region. The Center's offerings give new meaning to life in the mountains. Visitors will see the Appalachian region from new perspectives and come away with an enhanced understanding of its land, culture, and people.

The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is housed in the Latimer House in the downtown historic district of Wilmington, North Carolina. The Society is dedicated to preserving and spreading the rich heritage of southeastern North Carolina through the operation of the Latimer House Museum, through educational programs and public outreach, and through the maintenance of a research library and manuscript repository with Lower Cape Fear material from the 18th century through today.

The museum's goal is to educate people about the Jewish experience in Oklahoma, the United States, and the world, through exhibitions and educational programs focusing on Jewish culture, history, religion, and art.

Born to a prominent family in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1808, George Michael Murrell married Minerva Ross, the oldest daughter of a wealthy and influential Cherokee family. When the Cherokees were forced to leave their homes in the East during the "Trail of Tears" in 1838-39, Murrell chose to move with his wife's family to the new Nation in the West.

The Drummond family built one of the most successful trading and ranching operations in Oklahoma. Arriving in the United States from his native Scotland in 1884, twenty-year-old Frederick Drummond would expand his enterprises into ranching, banking, and real estate, with his sons forming the Drummond Cattle Company which prospered well into the next decade. The three-story mansion is a reflection of his financial success.