After 10 years of meet-and-greets, military ceremonies, thousands of visitors and more, the White Hall Museum is getting a facelift just in time for a Veterans Day reveal.
“It was long overdue,” said White Hall Mayor Noel Foster.
The White Hall Museum at 9009 Dollarway Road was opened about 10 years ago and required attention and modernization. It replaced the original structure that was located directly behind it.
“For now, the museum is closed to visitors, making way for renovations that include painting, new carpeting, and overhead and in-case lighting,” White Hall Deputy Mayor Jeff May said.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The work started in mid-August and is being undertaken by city employees. It minimizes total costs.
“We are almost done with it. We will be rearranging some display cases and other furniture so it flows better and looks more modern. We will be done for Veterans Day,” May said.
At this point, May said costs will be minimal.
“The plan is for the Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day ceremony to be held on the museum grounds at 11 a.m.,” Museum Director Brenda Doucey said.
MUSEUM UPGRADES
Over the last three years, White Hall has upgraded its park system, which includes the White Hall Museum Park, situated on the facility’s grounds.
About two years ago, renovations were completed on the half-acre green play space, which saw the installation of six full-size and two toddler-sized swings, as well as two low-to-the-ground climbing loops and two semi-covered climbing platforms with double slides.
At that time, work also included the complete redo of a Union Pacific SSW 18 Cotton Belt caboose.
The caboose, the park’s largest feature, was completely renovated and repainted inside and out, except for the logos that are being reproduced by Autographics By Beadle at White Hall.
Like at the museum, the city’s maintenance and public works departments did as much of the work and restoration to the caboose as possible, May said.
