The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is offering travel grants to help students visit the museum for interactive programs that enhance the teaching of World War I and II, as well as learn about the historic Arsenal Building and Civil War Arkansas. The grants offer up to $500 to public schools and community colleges for field trips and are available during the fall and spring semesters.

The museum was closed for renovations during much of 2018, and reopened to the public last fall. “We just completed a $1.55 million dollar renovation to the historic structure, and are pleased to be able to resume our grant program,” says Museum Director Stephan McAteer. “These grants allow the museum to share its collection, which includes more than 4,600 World War II press photographs and more than 60 original American World War I propaganda posters, with a broader student audience, as well as help schools with the increasing costs of field trips.”

The Helen T. Leigh Museum Field Trip Grant applications are available through the Arkansas Humanities Council, 407 President Clinton Avenue, Suite 201, Little Rock, AR 72201. Deadlines are the first of each month except December. Applicants must contact Shane Lind, museum program assistant, at 501-376-4602 or alind@littlerock.gov to schedule their field trips prior to applying for the grant. The grants are funded by Mrs. Leigh in memory of her husband, Lt. Col Gilbert Leigh, U.S. Air Force. For more information on the museum’s educational programs and grant application, visit the website at arkmilitaryheritage.com. The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is located at 503 E. 9^th St. in downtown Little Rock’s MacArthur Park. The museum is operated under the City of Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department.