It has been nearly 75 years since the founding of the museum formerly known as Arkansas Territorial Restoration. Its birth in 1941 was due to the efforts of Louise Loughborough, who advocated for the preservation of the historic buildings now on the museum grounds.
Loughborough was remembered Nov. 7 during the 20th Candlelight Gala at Historic Arkansas Museum. The black-tie event was the kickoff of the museum's diamond anniversary, which it will celebrate next year. Susan and Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Ginger and former Gov. Mike Beebe and former first lady Gay White were among the dignitaries. Museum commissioners, foundation board members and museum supporters were in attendance.
Guests were ushered into the museum's lobby and galleries, where they were greeted by volunteers in 1940s attire, served cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and encouraged to bid on silent auction items. An early highlight of the evening was a re-enactment of Loughborough, portrayed by volunteer Heather Dupree, making her case to state officials about saving the museum's buildings.
Guests were then directed across Second Street to a tent set up on the grounds, where they feasted by candlelight on a gourmet dinner and bid for auction items hawked by Brad Wooley.
The night's program included a film about the museum and it's living history program as well as a tribute to museum director Bill Worthen, who plans to retire at the end of 2016. Worthen's tribute included videos with remarks from former President Bill Clinton and others. The gala ended with dancing to the sounds of Delta Brass Big Band.
Proceeds from the evening will be used for purchases for the museum's collection.
High Profile on 11/15/2015