13 Jul 2026 U.S. Marshals Museum announces $1 million gift

FORT SMITH, Arkansas — The U.S. Marshals Museum announced a major new commitment to its A New Frontier of Giving campaign on Friday, July 10, as Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin joined Museum leaders, StateRepresentative Jay Richardson, State Senator Justin Boyd, supporters, and members of the media for a press conference at the Museum.

During the event, Attorney General Griffin announced a $1 million gift in support of the campaign, helping bring theMuseum to $8 million toward its $12 million campaign goal. The announcement marks a significant step forward in theMuseum’s effort to expand access and build long-term financial sustainability to the national museum dedicated to thehistory and legacy of the United States Marshals Service.

The A New Frontier of Giving campaign is designed to strengthen the Museum’s future by enhancing accessibility, supporting operations, educational programming, public access, and the continued preservation and interpretation ofthe U.S. Marshals Service’s extraordinary role in American history.

“The U.S. Marshals Museum is a significant cultural asset not only for Fort Smith and Arkansas, but for the entire country. The unique stories it tells and the important history it preserves are vital to understanding the role that the U.S.Marshals Service has played and continues to play in keeping our country safe, free, and just. I am proud to support thisfundraising campaign and help ensure that the museum continues its work for generations to come,” said Attorney General Tim Griffin.

The press conference included remarks from State Representative Jay Richardson, who spoke about the importance of the Museum’s endowment campaign and its role in strengthening the Museum’s long-term future. State Senator JustinBoyd also participated in the program, recognizing contributors to the A New Frontier of Giving campaign and introducing Attorney General Griffin prior to the gift announcement.

“The U.S. Marshals Museum exists to preserve and share a story that belongs not only to Fort Smith or Arkansas, but tothe entire nation,” said Ben Johnson, President and CEO of the U.S. Marshals Museum. “Reaching $8 million toward our $12 million goal is a tremendous milestone, and this generous $1 million gift represents a powerful investment in the Museum’s future. We are grateful to Attorney General Griffin, Representative Richardson, Senator Boyd, and all of the supporters who are helping ensure that the Museum can continue educating visitors about justice, service, courage, and the rule of law for generations to come.

Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the U.S. Marshals Museum opened to the public on July 1, 2023, following more than16 years of planning, fundraising, and development. Since opening, the Museum has welcomed visitors from across thecountry and has continued to expand its educational programs, public events, and national outreach.

The Museum’s exhibits explore more than 236 years of U.S. Marshals Service history, from the founding of the federaljudiciary under President George Washington to the modem work of the nation’s first federal law enforcement agency.Through immersive galleries, public programming, and educational initiatives, the Museum connects visitors with stories of service, sacrifice, justice, and the evolving meaning of the rule of law in America.

Today’s announcement further advances the Museum’s campaign to ensure that this national story remains accessible,relevant, and sustainable for future generations.The U.S. Marshals Museum is located at 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas. The U.S. Marshals Museum is thenational museum dedicated to telling the story of the United States Marshals Service, the nation’s first federal law enforcement agency. Through immersive exhibits, educational programming, public events, and national outreach, the Museum shares the enduring story of the Marshals’ service to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice.