About the Event
Conference
Representatives and presenters across North America come together to explore the modern world of police museums. Held in Fort Smith, AR, sitting on the beautiful banks of the Arkansas River, the U.S. Marshals Museum (USMM) covers the history of the U.S. Marshals from their inception in 1789 to the present in five immersive galleries. Presenters will include museum staff and other experts from the field, with assistance from the Law Enforcement Museums of North America steering committee.
Perfect for professionals, volunteers, and students working in Museums, Heritage Education, and Cultural Centres. This year’s three-day conference offers workshops and programming provided by leaders in the field of museum planning, organizing, and operations, exciting tours of local law enforcement-related museums and attractions, and unbeatable networking opportunities.
Early bird registration now open!
Meet the Speakers
Museums and National History Day
National History Day is a program for secondary students promoting the creation of history projects and primary research. Museums are a natural partner to assist students with this program. In this session, you will learn what NHD is, the research required, the types of projects students create, and how you can help!
Museums and Firearms
Museums of all shapes and sizes, subject areas, and parts of the world include firearms in their collections. Unfortunately, the vast majority of museum staff are not familiar with Firearms as an academic subject or as part of a museum collection. This session will provide an overview of the needs and care of a firearms collection. Additionally, there will be coverage of how the legalities of firearms may affect your institution’s security and administration.
In Search of Public Servants
In this presentation, Mary Carson, Manager of the Genealogy Department at the Fort Smith Public Library, will provide tips to help you answer your patrons’ genealogical questions. She will share basic strategies on genealogical research as well as sites and suggestions for finding information directly related to public servants.
Mary Carson
Dennis Williams and Steven Wilson
Museum/university partnerships
This discussion with University of Arkansas Fort Smith faculty will explore university and museum partnerships and provide examples of various kinds of partnerships. It will also include ideas for how law enforcement museums can partner with universities to further the mission statements of both organizations.
USMM Partnerships -
NCMEC and Bloomberg Connects
In this session USMM staff will discuss two partnerships opportunities that are free for museums and have been beneficial to the USMM- the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Community Education Partner Program and the free Bloomberg Connects app. The presentation will discuss the process for establishing these partnerships, the training involved, and the benefits.
USM Staff
Ready, Set, Go!
Courtyard Marriott - Fort Smith Downtown
It is conveniently located in downtown Fort Smith, 900 Rogers Avenue (corner of Rogers Avenue and 9th Street). The Courtyard is located near Parrot Island Waterpark, the US Marshals Museum, and Fort Smith Convention Center.
We have secured a special rate for conference attendees for rooms booked from Sunday, April 19, to Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Outside of these dates, standard booking fees may apply.
Getting there:
By Air
The closest airport near Courtyard Fort Smith Downtown is Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM). FSM is located approximately 7.0 Miles from the hotel.
Distance from the hotel is 116.0 Miles.
Distance from the Hotel is 80.0 Miles.
*This hotel does not provide a shuttle service. Arrangements pending.
The Courtyard Marriott offers complimentary on-site parking.
Bus Station: Jefferson Lines
Train Station: A & M Railroad Excursions
About the Area:
Our Sponsors
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2024 conference!
