Last week for exhibit to be viewed at SFC Museum, appointments encouraged
The traveling exhibit featuring African-American Legislators of Arkansas is in its final week on display at the St. Francis County Museum.
The exhibit features 86 members of the Legislature who served from 1868-1893, and is on display locally as part of the museum’s Black History Month celebration.
The local exhibit, produced by Arkansas State Archives and the Black History Commission of Arkansas, will end on Friday, Feb. 26, according to St. Francis County Museum Board member Jenny Vandiver.
“The exhibit features panels and banners," said Vandiver. "This tells the story of the 86 African-Americans who served in the Arkansas General Assembly in the 19th Century," said Vandiver. "After the Civil War, Arkansas adopted a new constitution in 1868, and its provisions included the right to vote and hold public office for black males."
Vandiver said the exhibit highlights those Legislators with photographs and information about freed slaves who became lawyers and educators after the Civil War, during the Reconstruction.
"I think it is very relevant to our history," said Judy Sweet, St. Francis County Museum Curator.
"People need to know they were on the ball," said Vandiver of the men who served in the 19th Century. "I think it is awesome and is important to include this in American History, especially when we talk about the Civil War.
"African-Americans were very productive in trying to get voting rights," Vandiver continued. "This was a century before the Civil Rights movement took place. If you put it in perspective, they've been working so hard for this all along."
Vandiver said the exhibit also reflects the struggles African-Americans faced following the Civil War.
"It is a very thoughtprovoking display," said Sweet.
Sweet said three pictures in the exhibit are unidentified Legislators.
"There are three pictures on one panel that are unidentified. Why were members of the Legislature unidentified?" asked Sweet. "We also have, upstairs, a photograph of the 1903
Legislators who are all white. So it makes me wonder why we went from such a diverse Legislature to none.”
Sweet said she has enjoyed hosting at the exhibit, reading the names and looking at the photos.
“It isn’t a very bright exhibit. Everything is kind of in monotone, but it is very thought provoking,” said Sweet.
Vandiver said she would be returning the panels on March 1 and encourages residents to visit the museum before then.
“Children will get a free ruler themed to the exhibit,” said Vandiver.
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., but due to the recent snow storm, Sweet said she would be willing to meet people at the museum if they want to see the exhibit after the facility closes.
“They can call and make an appointment while we’re open, and I’ll meet them up here at what time they want,” said Sweet.
Sweet said she would also open the museum on Saturday, by appointment only, as a final opportunity for those interested to view the exhibit.
For more information or to make an appointment, call the museum 261-1744.