The President Bill Clinton's 1st Home Museum will hold an inaugural event of what will be known as the Museum Advisory Counsel, which is already in existence, but is still being formed by invitation only.
Museum Director Martha Berryman said the first gathering of the counsel will be March 30, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the President Bill Clinton 1st Home Museum.
“Our first gathering is the auspicious first anniversary of Congressional legislation being signed into law which assigned the museum to the U.S. National Parks Service,” Berryman said.
The counsel, which will offer a primary source of contact and support for the museum leadership and the National Park Service, is being formed to assist the National Park Service takeover, according to Berryman.
Berryman said 50 individuals have been selected for invitation to the council based upon professional skills, community insights, experience in public history and education, and specific areas of expertise.
“ This is something the National Parks wants, as well. They will not only have the board of directors and the existing staff, but the council as well,” Berryman said. The Clinton Birthplace Foundation will remain in existence, according to Berryman.
Berryman said the National Park Service will do their own research, as well as gather information from her and the existing staff, but the council is another way for the Parks Service to have as much professional information as possible and expertise as the transition takes place.
Funding will not be received until October which will make the transition official.
The advisory counsel will be non-governing and will include invited memberships, along with prior Clinton Birthplace Foundation Board members, according to Berryman.
“ The approximately-50 selected for invitation are from around the world to lend their creative insight to help with visions and initiatives for the museum and the important task of presenting the history of President Clinton's childhood environment among friends, family and place,” Berryman said.
Berryman said the individuals who are asked to participate in the council membership are needed.
“They will assist the museum's transition and continue to be invaluable resource of expert advice to the National Park Service as they develop within Hope, the state of Arkansas and the international community,” she added.
A second inaugural gathering will take place on August 19 in honor of Clinton's 64th birthday.
