No organization played a more important role in the fight to save the Old State House than did the Arkansas Federation of Women's Clubs, now know as the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Arkansas. They were one of the first to create a "period room" when the Old State House became a museum in 1950. In the early 1980s their room was moved to the space now occupied by the Governor's Case in the First Families Galleries. It was moved to its present location during the restoration of the late 1990s.
The Federation had not been in its new home long before the room began experiencing water damage. Water wicking has been a historical problem in the West Wing, due in part to the porous nature of the brick and plaster structure and the fact that the West Lawn is a natural site for springs. The room was closed while attempts were made to solve the problem. The solution has so far stumped several contractors, but the effort continues.
Visit the exhibit page for GFWCA
Next: Arkansas Pioneer Association Room »
|
