VR, Female, Age19

Photo: Unlabeled

In this image a crowd of men are the only present during a court. This symbolizes an inequality between both men and females. A difference that has always existed leading to the female gender to be seen as the weakest. Jury trials at this time were of great importance, but the fact that only man are present to give their opinion. That displays a powerful message. Is a women's opinion less valuable than that of a male? Even today, we hardly ever see women involved in political positions, or in important platforms. Society calls for a change. Just like the women at this time, women today deserve to have equal opportunities as man, to show what they are capable even if that means sharing a simple opinion at trial.

Exhibit Detail: Music Class

This image caught my attention, for it was one of the only pictures with women present, in fact, the only picture with all women. However, the description states that most, if not all, of these women are dedicated to be educators. This is an example of a stereotype, why can only women be viewed as educators? As I follow a career in education, I've witness this same idea towards educators. Several years later, this image represents what I see in my classes today. Man are afraid of going into the field of education in fear of being labeled as weak or having to be compared to women. It's unbelievable to think that after so many years, people's mindsets towards women is to label them as the weaker gender. The saddest part is that some women themselves believe they aren't worthy of comparing themselves to a men.

Exhibit Detail: William Barnett Family

What most caught my attention about this family picture was the description it was provided. The father was assassinated by some brothers who were actually hung in the gallows. However, In the description the only names mention are that of the murderers and the witness. The farmer was from the Creek Nation and his name wasn't even mention. The saddest thing about inequality sometimes is that its not only seen between genders, but between color, ethnicity, and economical status. Until this day, these issue still haunt our communities. Although, I believe that a change can be made if we put effort into the issue. I admire people like Dr. Henehan who rise up to the occasion and work for a difference. The entire experience at the Museum made me realize an issue, such as gender inequality, and how easily people find it so unimportant. It's a matter that influences our daily lives, but It doesn't have to go on for another 100 years.

Comments

A.R., Female, Age 24

Exhibit: Fort Smith in Fact and Fiction These posters are one of the first things you see when walking into the museum. I find it interesting that between the two there is only one woman pictured and she is sexualized. Both of these movies came out in the late 60’s. When the movies were produced they had the option to give women a story as well, but from the look of these posters I would say they did not. Exhibit: Women Behind Bars Near the very back of the museum they had this exhibit “Women Behind Bars.” I completely looked over this exhibit at first. If you notice at the top of it is a picture of a group of men. I noticed the men and just assumed that’s what the entire article was over until I went back and actually read the entire thing. Exhibit: Lady Desperado All of the women that are in the exhibits who are named are named because they are criminals. Each one who is named their brother and father are also named. This exhibit is about Belle Starr. It

DS, Male, Age 24

Exhibit: Domestic Life at Fort Smith When observing the exhibits at the National Historic Site, they show how most of the political establishments and arrangements where created by men with little involvement from women. The exhibits in regards to politics where mostly pictures and summaries of men, with a very few exceptions like Florence Hammersly being a deputy clerk. When it comes to the focus of women in the exhibits, I feel like it was mainly based of domestication. A good example of this is the exhibit "Domestic Life at Fort Smith", where it focuses on the lives of the wife's of political leaders in Fort Smith. Exhibit: Music Class I think this photo is relevant to the idea of women being seen in more of a domesticated role during this time. In my opinion, this photo of Chickasaw girls at Bloomfield Academy in a music class shows how women were even educated in more domesticated roles like the arts, instead of politics. Exhibit: Women

DN, Female, Age 19

Exhibit: Photo of Bonneville House This beautiful house is a very interesting place that hold history within itself. This house has different owners, but the latest owner was a woman. Even with changes, this place still holds a sense of fanciness and historical. Many years ago, the latest owner of this place was a well-known person. According to the Fort Smith National Historic Site, this was the place where many formal parties were being held. I personally passed through this house many times, and yet the sight of this place still got my attention. Exhibit: Photo of Clayton House This is the famous Clayton House in Fort Smith. When I first saw this picture of the Clayton House, I was not much surprise. In fact, this gorgeous place is up for rent for many different occasions and is still well-known today. The Clayton House was own by one of the most famous people in Fort Smith. Even though there is not much history about this place related to women, however, because

Infinitely Obscure Lives: Invisibility of Women in a U.S. Historic Site

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