Tag Archives: Clinton Presidential Center

Little Rock Look Back: Skip’s Game Day

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SkipTen years ago today was known simply as “Game Day” for a group of people.  The chief one was Skip Rutherford.

Overseeing the planning for the Clinton Presidential Center and the events surrounding it had been the focus of James L. “Skip” Rutherford for many years. A FOB for decades, he had stayed in Little Rock when so many went to Washington DC in 1993.

He oversaw the planning for the Clinton Library and led the Clinton Foundation.  No detail was too small or insignificant for him to consider. For months leading to the opening he led meetings to help restaurants, hotels, and attractions understand the scope of the opening.

Together with Dean Kumpuris and Bruce Moore on behalf of the City of Little Rock, he reviewed plans for the Clinton Presidential Park and the streets and neighborhoods around the Clinton Presidential Center.

He used his connections with the business community in Little Rock and throughout the state to discuss the importance of a Presidential Library regardless of one’s personal political affiliations.  He withstood critics who second-guessed everything from the cost, the design, the location, the purpose, and even the anticipated tourism and economic impacts.

Finally the big day had come.  If the weather was not ideal, that was almost inconsequential. It was still the culmination of more than seven years hard work.

However, the opening of the Clinton Presidential Center was not the end of the task. It merely was the move from one phase to another. A few years later, Skip’s role would change as he would leave the Foundation and become the second Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service.

Little Rock Look Back: The Opening of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center

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wjcopenrainArkansas Globecoming was the name given to the series of events in connection with the opening of the Clinton Presidential Center.  The week had been warm and sunny as Al Franken entertained at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Aretha Franklin performed with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Senator John Glenn held court at the Museum of Discovery.  By Wednesday, November 17, Little Rock was filled with stars from the political and entertainment fields.  As many dignitaries as were here, there were rumors of even more who were supposedly here.

On Wednesday night, things reached a fever pitch. A reception at the Arkansas Arts Center was literally shoulder to shoulder. A preview tour of the Clinton Presidential Center was only slightly less crowded (because the space was so much bigger). Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson and the Downtown Little Rock Partnership hosted a late night party at Nu.

As midnight approached, things slowed ever so slightly as people realized they had to be on site for the opening ceremony in a matter of hours.

Overnight a storm system came in. Not only did water fall, but so did the temperatures.

Those that did brave the weather had an unforgettable experience.  From performances by a rain-soaked Bono and The Edge to remarks by Presidents Carter, Bush 41, Bush 43 and Clinton, the event was memorable.  It was a Who’s Who of Washington, New York and Los Angeles.  All in Little Rock.

It took several hours for people to warm up and dry off after the event. But everyone agreed it was a memorable day for numerous reasons.

Free Admission today to Clinton Presidential Center

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lib-clinton-lCelebrate the Clinton Center’s 10th anniversary with a FREE admission day at the Library. Take advantage of the opportunity to see the special exhibit, Chihuly, as well as all the permanent exhibits. Also available are FREE Acoustiguide audio tours narrated by President Clinton!

Monday, November 17, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Free Admission today to Clinton Center as part of 10th anniversary

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Clinton Library 3Celebrate the Clinton Center’s 10th anniversary with a FREE admission day at the Library. Take advantage of the opportunity to see the special exhibit, Chihuly, as well as all the permanent exhibits. Also available are FREE Acoustiguide audio tours narrated by President Clinton!

Sunday, November 16, 2014, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 17, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Old State House Key to Clinton Story

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1992apg-horizontalIn conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the Clinton Library opening, many people are visiting the Old State House Museum.  It was at this location he announced his bid in 1991.  In the same spot (but with many more people) he delivered his acceptance speech on Election Night in 1992. Four years later, he again delivered his acceptance speech in 1996.

Current exhibits at the Old State House Museum include Pillars of Power; On the Stump: AR Politics. 1819-1919; Legislative Chambers and First Families of Arkansas. In addition the museum features “Different Spokes” and “Lights! Camera! Arkansas!”

The Old State House Museum is free.  It is open from 9-5 Monday through Saturday and 1-5 on Sunday.

The Old State House Museum is an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

Handbags for Hillary exhibit at Esse Purse Museum

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esseIn conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Clinton Library, the Esse Purse Museum has a special exhibit.

This temporary exhibit features handbags given to Hillary Clinton while she served as First Lady of the United States. From handmade to haute couture, the exhibit promises a glimpse into the political journey of Mrs. Clinton, from her days as first lady of Arkansas to the most powerful address in the world.

The museum is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday.  It runs through November 30.

“Celebrate 10″ Community Concert to benefit Arkansas Foodbank

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nickjonaspromoNick Jonas, Amos Lee, Court Yard Hounds, and Kool & the Gang will perform at “Celebrate 10,” an intimate musical event on Saturday, November 15, 2014, with President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton that will honor the spirit of the Arkansas community through an unforgettable night of performances and conversation that will inspire all to give back. Kevin Spacey will serve as the evenings Master of Ceremonies.

Presented by Coca-Cola and held in partnership with the Arkansas Foodbank, the event encourages everyone to join the Clinton family – and special guests – to give back to the community. Held just before Thanksgiving, and with the goal of collecting food to feed Arkansas’ hungry through the holidays, this event will celebrate what we all can do, together, to build a better tomorrow – in Arkansas and around the world.

The event is free and open to the public, with attendees bringing canned and shelf-stable boxed food as tickets. For admission, please register in advance at clintonfoundation.org/celebrate10.
Clinton Presidential Center, Pavilion