Ribbon cutting marks grand opening of Hoxie The First Stand Museum
The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Hoxie The First Stand Museum, will host a ribbon cutting from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, marking the official grand opening of the museum and the opening of the Ethel Tompkins Exhibit Hall.
The event will take place at the museum, located at 602 SW Lawrence St. in Hoxie.
The event marks a milestone in preserving and sharing the history of Hoxie’s role in Arkansas and national history.
Founded to preserve and interpret the events surrounding the Hoxie School Integration of 1955, the museum educates visitors about a pivotal moment when local leaders and residents chose unity and progress amid national resistance. Exhibits and artifacts highlight those who stood for equality and ensure the story is preserved for future generations.
Speakers scheduled to participate include:
- Ethel Tompkins, President of Hoxie The First Stand Museum
- Frances Green, Vice President of Hoxie The First Stand Museum
- Terrence Ward, Executive Director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
The museum operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported entirely through donations from individuals and businesses.
“This museum exists because our community believes these stories matter,” said Leslie Reed, secretary of the museum’s Board of Directors. “Every donation helps us preserve these exhibits and share Hoxie’s history with visitors from near and far.”
The event is open to the public