Little Rock – The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History plans to expand its field trip grant program in 2017 to include Arkansas community colleges. The program is designed 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 and will now be available throughout the year.

“We are pleased to be able to expand our grant program to include Arkansas community colleges,” says museum director Stephan McAteer. “The expansion will allow the museum to share its collection, which includes over 4,600 World War II press photographs and more than 60 original American World War I propaganda posters, with a broader student audience.”

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 376-4602 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.