FORT SMITH -- The U.S. Marshals Museum announced Tuesday that it has received a $100,000 pledge from the Hille Foundation of Tulsa in honor of a retired deputy marshal from Oklahoma.
Maggie Hille Yar, executive director of the Hille Foundation, said the pledge was made in honor of retired Deputy Marshal David E. Bradley of Ketchum, Okla. She said Bradley dedicated his life to law enforcement and the protection of U.S. citizens.
She also said the foundation was honored to support the Marshals Museum, which she said reflects the close bond among the men and women who have served as members of the U.S. Marshals Service.
A news release on the pledge said it would be converted to a grant when the museum has reached its foundation goal, has broken ground and established its initial three-year operating budget.
The pledge was the second gift to the museum this month. Last week, museum officials announced a $1 million contribution from Donnie Pendergraft and family in honor of her late husband, Ross Pendergraft.
Ross Pendergraft, who died in May 1998, retired in 1994 as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Donrey Media Group.
Earlier this month, the Robbie Westphal family announced it has completed the transfer of 16.3 acres of riverfront property for the museum.
The museum is in the process of raising $55.5 million to build the 50,000-square-foot museum on the banks of the Arkansas River near downtown Fort Smith.
NW News on 09/30/2015