The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History was recently recognized with two awards at the Arkansas Museums Association annual conference held in Pine Bluff March 26-28.  The museum received the Outstanding Achievement in Collections Care Conservation award for renovations last year of the historic Arsenal Building, which houses the military museum. 

The $1.55 million project included restoration of the building’s exterior porches, replacement of its HVAC system, installation of new LED lighting, and repainting of public galleries.  Funding for the project came from a hotel tax and a $100,000 Historic Preservation Restoration Grant from the Department of Arkansas Heritage. The museum was closed much of 2018 for the renovations and reopened last fall. 

“We consider the 179-year-old-building to be our largest and oldest artifact,” said museum director Stephan McAteer.  “We are pleased to have addressed structural and environmental issues that will ensure its historical integrity for years to come.”

McAteer, who has served as the museum’s executive director since April 1999, was also recognized at the awards banquet as the Distinguished Museum Professional of the Year for his oversight role in the renovation project.  The museum opened in May 2001 and seeks to educate local, state, national, and international visitors about Arkansas’s military heritage.  It is operated under the City of Little Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department.  For more information of exhibits and programming, visit the museum website at Arkmilitaryheritage.com.