FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: January 04, 2007 U.S. Marshals Service, Office of Public Affairs (202) 307-9065   U.S. MARSHALS SELECT FORT SMITH, AR AS SITE FOR NEW MUSEUM Site Selected After Two-Year Study By Marshals Service   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.