The U.S. Marshals Museum has announced that the Museum will open its doors to the public beginning July 1, 2023. The opening culminates more than 16 years of fundraising, design, construction and installation. In 2007, after a rigorous selection process, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) chose Fort Smith, Arkansas, as the permanent home for its national museum. Since then, a diverse group of volunteers, staff, community leaders, and elected representatives from throughout Arkansas and across the nation have worked alongside the USMS to build a world-class facility on the banks of the Arkansas River.
Construction of the approximately 53,000-square-feet was completed in early 2020. “To say we’re excited would be a vast understatement,” said Doug Babb, Chair, USMM Board. “It’s truly gratifying to see the work of so many different people who have dedicated their time and resources to this effort come to fruition. This will be a jewel for Fort Smith, the state of Arkansas and the country.”
The Museum features a unique exterior with a modified star-shaped design signifying the star badge worn by courageous U.S. Marshals. Inside, five immersive galleries educate guests about the critical, ever-evolving role the Marshals have played in upholding the Rule of Law, driven by justice, integrity and service. Galleries include: To Be A Marshal, The Campfire | Stories Under The Stars, Frontier Marshals, A Changing Nation and Modern Marshals.
In addition, the Museum’s National Learning Center will combine the Museum experience with educational programming focused on the Constitution, the Rule of Law and civic literacy. It will engage local and national audiences using a variety of resources. Guests will also have the opportunity to pay tribute to the more than 350+ Marshals killed in the line of duty since 1789 by visiting the Samuel M. Sicard Hall of Honor.
“I’m so excited to have the chance to lead this amazing group of people who have worked so diligently to reach this point,” said Benjamin Johnson, USMM President and CEO. “The Museum will inspire Americans across the country—both now and for future generations—to live with the core values of the U.S. Marshals Service; justice, integrity, and service. Now it’s time to welcome the world through our doors.”
About the United States Marshals Museum The United States Marshals Museum, opening in July 2023, is a national Museum located on the riverfront in Fort Smith, AR. Once open, the United States Marshals Museum will tell the story of our nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency from its establishment by President George Washington through current day. The Museum will honor the sacrifice of Marshals killed in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to place their lives in harm’s way, as they enforce the Constitution. For more information, visit usmmuseum.org.
