United States Marshals Museum — Attraction in Fort Smith

This museum could have been an email.

The good: The people who work there are friendly and knowledgeable. The museum itself is BEAUTIFUL. Someone obviously put a great deal of work into it.

The bad: The museum's exhibits appear to be poorly-planned. I say "appear" because I can't tell what they are trying to accomplish. Is the museum a celebration of the marshals and their work? If so, many of the exhibits are irrelevant. They have nothing to do with the marshals.

Is the museum meant to be a condemnation of the marshals? If so, some of the exhibits are again working against that purpose.

Some of the exhibits are clearly intended to celebrate the marshals. That's fine. But.... why are there large exhibits dedicated to black history and Indian history, which have nothing to do with the US Marshals? Why is John Wayne's parade saddle on display?

Some of the displays are intended to help people imagine themselves in the role of a marshal. Some work well, but one involves making decisions in a case involving a trial. The participants are given very little information. How would we make decisions? The whole "game" drags on far too long, and feels pointless.

Almost all of the displays contain some subtle condemnation of the marshals. They describe, time and again, how US marshals kill people over tax matters, and initiate violence against Americans, where none is necessary. One room tells of the marshals enforcing the sedition act of 1918, suppressing freedom of speech, and the same room bears a plaque celebrating the marshals ' defense of civil rights. The same room contains a display with damaged handcuffs, and a plaque explaining that those handcuffs were cut off of Manuel Noriega because a US marshal couldn't find the key. The entire museum seems to be completely tone-deaf. It consistently portrays the marshals as incompetent, criminal thugs. Was that the goal?

The museum further describes the marshals enforcing the disastrous alcohol prohibition in the US, their arrest of Susan B Anthony for voting, and their attemps to suppress American Indian political protests. In all, the museum is an embarrassment for the marshals, and the United States.

EDIT:

Ben, thank you so much for your thoughtful reply.

I can tell you've worked hard on the museum. May I suggest that, if the museum is to be critical of the marshals, you should make that clear? If you are pointing out a mistake that the marshals made, please ensure that visitors understand that it is meant to be critical. As it stands, I found the museum a little confusing. Surely other visitors have also found it confusing.

Again, thank you for the response. I can tell you are dedicated...

Amazing museum! Very well organized and beautifully presented information. I really appreciated their attention to detail in the displays and the mixed media used. Interactive exhibits were great for kids and adults who want to engage in more physical ways with the information. Such a great learning experience. Definitely an often overlooked group in many of the history books, but an absolutely essential group of individuals from the beginning.

The Hall of Honor is an amazing tribute to those who gave their lives in service as US Marshals. Sobering and well-done with information available about each one and their service.

I would not recommend this for young (under 12 according to my own kids) children as there is a lot of reading involved.

The location is right along the Riverwalk, which provides additional exterior views (the building itself is a neat structure!) and an opportunity for a lovely walk before or...

The U.S. Marshal Museum is an absolute gem that shouldn't be missed by anyone with an interest in American law enforcement history.

The museum's exhibits are thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented, showcasing the remarkable stories of the U.S. Marshals Service and its significant contributions to the development of law enforcement in the United States. The attention to detail is simply outstanding, immersing visitors in the world of these brave men and women.

One of the highlights of my visit was the interactive displays. From simulated training scenarios to historical artifacts, every aspect of the exhibits was designed to engage and educate. It was truly an exhilarating experience that deepened my appreciation for the challenges faced by the U.S. Marshals.

Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and amazed by the remarkable legacy of the U.S....