Established by the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the U.S. Marshals Museum is set to open on July 1, 2023, as the culmination of 16 years of fundraising, design, construction and installation.
Fort Smith was chosen by the USMS as the permanent home for its national museum back in 2007. 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-foot facility was completed in early 2020.
“To say we’re excited would be a vast understatement,” said Doug Babb, chair of the 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.”
In addition, the museum’s National Learning Center will offer educational programming focused on the constitution, rule of law, and civic literacy, while the Samuel M. Sicard Hall of Honor pays tribute to the 350+ marshals killed in the line of duty since 1789.
“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.”
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