Old State House Museum, History museum in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Old State House Museum occupies Arkansas's oldest capitol building, constructed in 1842 with Greek Revival features including white columns and balanced proportions. The building contains restored legislative chambers and exhibition halls displaying more than 26,000 artifacts.
The building served as Arkansas's parliament from 1842 to 1912 and experienced occupation by both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. Following the war, an important constitutional convention took place here in 1868 that established voting rights and public education.
The museum displays gowns worn by governors' wives, handmade quilts created by African American artisans, and personal items from Arkansas's political past. These collections show how ordinary people and important figures shaped the state's story.
The museum sits in downtown Little Rock on West Markham Street and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors can explore on their own or join guided tours to learn more about the restored rooms and exhibitions.
The building hosted a remarkable constitutional convention where eight African American delegates participated, changing the state's political representation after slavery. This was a rare moment of voice during a time of major social change.
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