FORT SMITH, Ark. — Explore the history of Fort Smith at the oldest functioning museum in Arkansas located at 320 Rogers Ave.
The Fort Smith Museum of History has been up and running for 113 years.
It holds the city's treasures through riveting exhibits, including a room dedicated to the history of broadcast. The "On The Air" exhibit is where you can brush up on the beginnings of 5NEWS!
Our station started in 1953 as KFSA on channel 22. Today, you know us as KFSM on channel 5. At the museum, you can dive into our station's history where they have artifacts on display. You can find old microphones, televisions, and even an actual news set!
You can also learn the history of the "Million Dollar Bridge" in Fort Smith. From the concept to the construction, the exhibit breaks down the beginnings of the Garrison Avenue bridge and how the street became the city's cultural and economic epicenter.
There's also an exhibit for Judge Isaac Parker, also known as the "Hanging Judge." The museum has a replica of what his courtroom would have looked like. However, the judge's chair is an authentic piece that Parker used to sit in while presiding over cases in Fort Smith and the Indian Territories.
In his first year, Parker earned his name after sentencing 15 convicted murderers to death where they were hung at the Fort Smith gallows.
It doesn't stop there. The museum also has exhibits dedicated to WWII hero General William O. Darby and the history of American hand tools.
The Fort Smith Museum of History is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Daily admission ticket prices:
- Adults (16-64): $18 per person
- Seniors (65 and up): $6 per person
- Children (6-15): $4 per person
- Veterans/Military/First Responders: $6 per person
On this episode of Around the Corner, the 5NEWS morning crew embraced their past by reporting from the old KFSM news set at the Fort Smith Museum of History.
More from Around the Corner:
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