19.    Riverfront Room

Then…
This space and the boiler room below it were built as part of the 1885 renovation. It initially served as the office of the Commissioner of State Lands. The photograph from that era is one of the rare interior views of the State House while it was the seat of government. After state government departed in 1912, the room was briefly occupied by the Arkansas Pioneer Association, who mounted a modest museum of Arkansas history. However, the Pioneers' exhibits were soon forced to make way for a chemistry laboratory for the Medical School. The Pioneers and other history-minded groups from that era then shared space in the 1836 House of Representatives Chamber.

Now…
The Riverfront Room serves as a conference room for museum staff and is used for education programs and museum receptions. It is also available to rent as a meeting room.