Seasonal Temporary Exhibit

The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie announces a seasonal exhibit from their own collection, titled “June Brides of the Prairie”.  Featuring wedding dresses worn by Grand Prairie residents, the exhibit displays styles from the 1890’s through the 1960’s.  

 

“It has been a joy to see the eyes of our youngest guests light up when they see these beautiful dresses,” said Fara Foster, Executive Director for the Museum.  The exhibit features a dress worn by a bride who later opened and operated a millinery store on Main St. just after the turn of the 20th century.  A second dress was worn by a woman who taught school at St. John’s until 1985.  And, yet there are others for which museum staff is still searching for specific information.

 

Jessie Walsh, who designed the exhibit, is hopeful people in the community will be able to help with historical information for several brides.  “We’ve been gifted with such incredible artifacts and we would love to be able to share more about the women who wore them,” said Walsh.

 

Walsh, a seven-year employee of the Museum, was recently promoted to the role of Exhibits and Events Manager.  “Jessie is a dedicated historian and staff member,” shared Foster.  “Our board and I are very excited to reward her with this new role and watch how she grows into it.”

 

The June Bride exhibit displays eight dresses, including a wedding suit worn in 1901.  It will be on display through July 9, 2022 at the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, located on 4th Street at Park Avenue in Stuttgart.  The Museum, an admission-free facility dedicated to preserving and sharing history for the entire community, is open 8am-4pm Tuesday through Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturday.