The Old State House Museum was built in 1833, and has since been witness to many important events in Arkansas history. For one, it was the original state capital. It's also where two presidents gave their acceptance speeches, and where Arkansas announced it was going to join the Confederacy. The Old State House Museum is also home to a fatal knife fight between two sitting legislators.
For anyone passing through the state, this museum in Little Rock is a beacon of historical knowledge about Arkansas' politics, arts, culture and film.
“I learn something new here every day,” said Public Information Officer Whitney Hickerson. “There's always something unique and interesting about Arkansas that I didn't know before. We have a great history here. And some of these stories are impactful no matter who you are or where you are from.”
One of the museum's most interesting exhibits is the newly reopened First Ladies of Arkansas: Women of their Times. The collection reopened in September after a major rework. This included glass cases allowing 360-degree views of the dresses, and better lighting. The collection, which rotates to help with preservation, is the result of decades of work, and is the largest collection outside of the sonian.
“We've added a lot to the exhibit about the lives and the work of each first lady,” continued Hickerson. This involved the addition of interactive touch screens with photos and videos.
First Ladies of Arkansas: Women of Their Times" exhibit at the Old State House Museum in Little Rock.
The collection is important because they “tell the story of these women who had a great impact” on Arkansas, Hickerson explained. “Each of their personalities is reflected in their choice of gown. It opens up the door to talk more about these women and their work. The dresses are a doorway to more information.”
There are 28 elegant inaugural gowns in the collection, the oldest one being from 1901. And the newest is from current First Lady Susan Hutchinson, and it's the first time her gown has been on display since she wore it at Governor Asa Hutchinson's 2015 inauguration. Each dress stands out for two reasons: One, they're simply gorgeous creations. And second, some of them have a very unique story – or lady – behind it.
“One of my favorite gowns is from Margaret Cherry, whose husband was inaugurated in 1953. Her gown is just so beautiful,” gushed Hickerson. Creamy and strapless, the gown was inspired by the 1940s Christian Dior collection. It reflected the fashion trends of the time, with a long, full skirt and cinched-in waist. Cherry wore the dress with a lace, chiffon stole.
But not everything about the First Ladies is pure elegance.
“One of my favorite stories is Ginger Beebe,” Hickerson said. “She broke her foot shortly after the election. So during the inaugural ball she wasn't able to wear the heels she originally bought to go with her dress. Instead, she wore Adidas sneakers.”
In the spirit of honesty, continued Hickerson, Beebe donated the Adidas sneakers to the museum to accompany her gown. Many guests are shocked at the contrast of the gown with the athletic sneakers on display right below it.
Many other gowns are accompanied by artifacts from the First Ladies who make the donations. This further tells the story of each First Lady, and the work she did that impacted Arkansas.
“People always talk about the governors,” explained Hickerson, “but the First Lady has an important role, too, that's not always seen. We like to highlight the work they do. Some of the things that have been championed by First Ladies are education, children's welfare, senior citizen programs... There's a wide array of things they've done to help the lives of Arkansians throughout the state's history. Sometimes they don't get the credit for the work that they do.”
Hillary Clinton's 1979 inauguration gown has a home at the Old State House Museum, as well as her accomplishments leading up to her bid for presidency. Then there's Gay White's well-worn and duct taped hiking boots, from her Grand Canyon excursions.
While the Old State House Museum shares a lot of political history to guests, it's also home to many art displays and other exhibits showcasing the people and events that make up Arkansas' history. But no other display quite combines the political and cultural spirit of Arkansas more than The First Ladies of Arkansas, a display about proud Arkansians who shaped the state's political views, but who were also heavily influenced by the people that make Arkansas what it is today.