The Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock wasn't always a center of learning, art and history. It began as a half block of dilapidated houses rescued by preservationist Louise Loughborough—officially opening as a museum called the Arkansas Territorial Capitol Restoration on July 19, 1941.

In the 75 years since, the museum has thrived, from the initial restoration of the historic antebellum homes to the 2001 opening of the 10,000 square foot Museum Center. Throughout the years, visitors have learned about Arkansas' past through the popular Living History Program, the Arkansas Made collection, the Smithsonian partnership exhibit, "We Walk in Two Worlds: The Caddo, Osage and Quapaw in Arkansas," and community events like the Christmas Frolic, Territorial Fair and Frontier Fourth of July.

So it only makes sense that Historic Arkansas Museum will honor its 75 years as a learning institution by offering free educational field trips to any school in Arkansas. Student groups that visit the museum in 2016 will be able to do so completely free of charge, thanks to the Bill Worthen Future of History Fund, which is dedicated to fostering the next generation of Arkansas history lovers.

Historic Arkansas Museum provides a variety of interactive field trip programs throughout the year, during which students churn butter, visit a blacksmith, learn about children's chores in the 1800s and more. Teachers can learn more about the programs available for various age groups here. Plus, in October and April, kids in grades 3-6 can attend the School Fairs, which includes pioneer music, activity stations in the historic homes, and costumed presenters.

Or, classrooms can participate in the Black History Month program, offered each Friday in February. Through storytelling, living history characters and the Giving Voice memorial plaque, students in grades 4-12 learn about the lives of 139 enslaved people once living in the museum's neighborhood.

Interested educators can begin the reservation process by submitting a field trip request form. To learn more about participating, educators are invited to contact the museum’s director of education, Joleen Linson or call (501) 324-9351.

Historic Arkansas Museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission to the galleries and parking are free; admission to the historic grounds is $2.50 for adults, $1 for children under 18, $1.50 for senior citizens. For more information, visit HistoricArkansas.org.