FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: |
January 04, 2007 |
U.S. Marshals Service, Office of
Public Affairs
(202) 307-9065 |
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U.S. MARSHALS SELECT FORT SMITH, AR
AS SITE FOR NEW MUSEUM
Site Selected After Two-Year Study By Marshals Service |
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WASHINGTON, DC – The United
States Marshals Service (USMS) has selected Fort Smith, Arkansas, as
the host city for the Agency’s new museum. Director John F. Clark
made the announcement today after receiving recommendations from a
10-person museum committee that has been studying the issue for the
past two years.
Fort Smith, located in the western part of the state, was chosen as
the future home for the new museum over the other finalist city,
Staunton, Virginia. “This was a tough decision, as we were very
pleased with the enthusiasm of both finalists,” said Director Clark.
“Now that we have selected Fort Smith, we are excited about this new
opportunity to tell the story of the U.S. Marshals Service’s
217-year history to the country.”
Once completed, the museum will feature artifacts and special
exhibits from America’s oldest federal law enforcement agency, serve
as an educational center, and memorialize the Marshals Service’s
past, present, and future law enforcement roles
“We want to create an educational environment to inspire visitors,
including the display of key artifacts and interactive exhibits to
illustrate our many historical missions,” says Historian David S.
Turk. “Throughout the history of this country, the Marshals Service
has always answered the call for help, and we want people to see,
hear and experience our story.”
Director Clark thanked the committee, chaired by USMS Assistant
Director Michael Pearson, which visited each finalist city.
Committee members spent several days in each city evaluating such
things as tourism, community support, historical ties, and their
business plans. “This committee worked very hard to study the
strengths of each city. We wanted to form a partnership that would
benefit not only the museum, but the community as well,” said
Assistant Director Pearson. “ Now that we’re partnering with Fort
Smith, we’re excited about transforming this vision into reality.”
Director Clark said that no date has been set for the opening of the
museum, but he indicated that he plans to visit Fort Smith and meet
with local officials to discuss the plans for the museum. |
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