Family Travel Forum
04-21-2006, 11:13 PM
From the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism comes news about the very successful first year of the Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock. In August, it was announced that over 400,000 guests had crossed the
library threshold. That number surpassed 500,000 during the first anniversary celebration on Nov. 18. </P>
<P>According to the National Archives, "the Clinton Presidential Center's attendance accounted for one-third of all presidential library visitors nationwide during its first year of operation, and it is the largest annual
figure since the John F. Kennedy Library opened in 1980." One factor sure to keep the visitation numbers up is the sheer volume of items that are available to be displayed; artifacts can be rotated annually for the next 30
years without using the same item twice. </P>
<P>The first hint that this is not an ordinary museum is the presidential limousine occupying the corner of the main lobby. The vehicle, which was built for everyday use by the president, has accompanying photos and displays, one of which showcases the role of the Secret Service. </P>
<P>Additionally, the museum houses a visitor service welcome center, permanent gallery, an orientation theatre, the Cabinet Room replica, the Great Hall, policy alcoves, and presidential timeline displays. </P>
<P>The massive table in the Cabinet Room was constructed by the company who made the original in the White House. Eighteen chairs, each labeled with the cabinet-level office it represents, surround it and on the table in front
are touch-screen video computers where visitors can get an idea of what each cabinet member does. </P>
<P>The Great Hall made a little history of its own when former Presidents Carter, Bush, Clinton, plus the current President Bush, attended the Presidents' Brunch during the opening gala. It also served as the backdrop for the tsunami relief commercial in which both Mr. Clinton and the elder Mr. Bush appeared. </P>
<P>The upper level is said to be the most popular, because it shows the personal side of life in the White House. Here is the full-scale reproduction Oval Office, cited as the most popular exhibit in the center. Cases feature the "fun" part of living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with
gifts from foreign leaders, such as a castle from the Chief Minister of India made by Mangatrai Pearls and Jewelry, several ceremonial daggers and swords, and a mosaic of the Roman Coliseum complete with the papal seal from Pope John Paul II. </P>
<P>In the "Making this House a Home" display, visitors will see a Mickey Mantle baseball card from his rookie year, an autographed basketball by the Boston Celtics, and a tribute to Socks and Buddy, the "first cat" and "first dog" respectively. A kiosk shows a comedy video made by the Clintons of parodies, roasts and other functions. </P>
<P>A different "view" of the library can be experienced by taking the new "green tours" being offered. They are designed to focus on the environmentally friendly aspects of the building. Additional information on the Clinton Presidential Center can be found on <strong> <a href=http://www.clintonfoundation.org/cpc-index.htm>
www.clintonfoundation.org. </a> </strong> </p>
<p>More information on the city of Little Rock and other attractions, check the Little Rock Convention and
Visitors Bureau Web site at <strong> <a href=http://www.littlerock.com> www.littlerock.com.</a> </strong> </P>
<P> <i>By Kerry Kraus</i>
library threshold. That number surpassed 500,000 during the first anniversary celebration on Nov. 18. </P>
<P>According to the National Archives, "the Clinton Presidential Center's attendance accounted for one-third of all presidential library visitors nationwide during its first year of operation, and it is the largest annual
figure since the John F. Kennedy Library opened in 1980." One factor sure to keep the visitation numbers up is the sheer volume of items that are available to be displayed; artifacts can be rotated annually for the next 30
years without using the same item twice. </P>
<P>The first hint that this is not an ordinary museum is the presidential limousine occupying the corner of the main lobby. The vehicle, which was built for everyday use by the president, has accompanying photos and displays, one of which showcases the role of the Secret Service. </P>
<P>Additionally, the museum houses a visitor service welcome center, permanent gallery, an orientation theatre, the Cabinet Room replica, the Great Hall, policy alcoves, and presidential timeline displays. </P>
<P>The massive table in the Cabinet Room was constructed by the company who made the original in the White House. Eighteen chairs, each labeled with the cabinet-level office it represents, surround it and on the table in front
are touch-screen video computers where visitors can get an idea of what each cabinet member does. </P>
<P>The Great Hall made a little history of its own when former Presidents Carter, Bush, Clinton, plus the current President Bush, attended the Presidents' Brunch during the opening gala. It also served as the backdrop for the tsunami relief commercial in which both Mr. Clinton and the elder Mr. Bush appeared. </P>
<P>The upper level is said to be the most popular, because it shows the personal side of life in the White House. Here is the full-scale reproduction Oval Office, cited as the most popular exhibit in the center. Cases feature the "fun" part of living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with
gifts from foreign leaders, such as a castle from the Chief Minister of India made by Mangatrai Pearls and Jewelry, several ceremonial daggers and swords, and a mosaic of the Roman Coliseum complete with the papal seal from Pope John Paul II. </P>
<P>In the "Making this House a Home" display, visitors will see a Mickey Mantle baseball card from his rookie year, an autographed basketball by the Boston Celtics, and a tribute to Socks and Buddy, the "first cat" and "first dog" respectively. A kiosk shows a comedy video made by the Clintons of parodies, roasts and other functions. </P>
<P>A different "view" of the library can be experienced by taking the new "green tours" being offered. They are designed to focus on the environmentally friendly aspects of the building. Additional information on the Clinton Presidential Center can be found on <strong> <a href=http://www.clintonfoundation.org/cpc-index.htm>
www.clintonfoundation.org. </a> </strong> </p>
<p>More information on the city of Little Rock and other attractions, check the Little Rock Convention and
Visitors Bureau Web site at <strong> <a href=http://www.littlerock.com> www.littlerock.com.</a> </strong> </P>
<P> <i>By Kerry Kraus</i>