During your visit to this Texarkana, Texas attraction, explore the history museum’s collections and exhibits that tell the story of Texarkana and learn about the Wilbur Smith Research Archives housed within.
Exhibits
Exhibits featured in the Museum of Regional History’s galleries interpret the story of the Ark-La-Tex, from the Caddo settlements that once existed in the region to the formation of Texarkana in 1873 and continuing through the 20th century. Exhibits feature artifacts drawn from the Museum’s collections of historical and cultural items donated by local citizens that date from the Caddo era to the present. In addition, the ancient geography of the area, pioneer settlements, industries and technology and politics are explored throughout the Museum of Regional History’s special exhibits.
Caddo Indian
Learn about the Caddo, the first occupants of Southwest Arkansas, Northeast Texas and Northwest Louisiana. Examples of Caddo Indian tools, jewelry and remarkable pottery along with rare images from the Museum of Regional History’s collection can be found on display in Caddo Indian.
Beasley Music
Explore the musical history of Ark-La-Tex. Beasley Music explores the musical history of the region with emphasis on jazz and folk music. See the Scott Joplin piano and learn about acclaimed Texarkana natives in the music field. Interactive displays will allow you to listen to music clips and view images from the Museum’s collections. Additionally, the exhibit features biographical sketches of Scott Joplin, composer Conlon Nancarrow, pianist Lois Towles and folk legend Huddie Ledbetter.
Congressman Wright Patman
Congressman Wright Patman explores the life and times of Texas Congressman, Wright Patman. View items gifted to the Museum by Wright Patman, including rare political cartoon originals and the longhorns that once hung in Congressman Wright Patman’s Washington D.C. office.
Texarkana Museums System Wilbur Smith Research Archives
Housed within the Museum of Regional History is the Wilbur Smith Research Archives, including thousands of photographs, documents and rare books that range from African-American to war and military topics. Of particular importance is the archive’s Texarkana city directory collection, the most comprehensive in Texarkana. Genealogists, who visit the archives often find its Pioneer History files, containing information on hundreds of families from the region, useful.
- The Museum of Regional History is ADA compliant.
- In addition it its permanent exhibits, the Museum of Regional History hosts special exhibits throughout the year that support its permanent collections and exhibitions. Examples of past special exhibits include Military History, showcasing uniforms, gear and other items that reflect life in the military during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and later conflicts.