The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (NHS) in Arkansas, increased access to the visitor center and park programming Oct. 12, allowing up to 15 visitors inside the exhibits at any given time.
Visitors are limited to 30 minutes in the visitor center and a waitlist for entry will be implemented on days of high visitation.
“This decision will allow Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site to further serve our internal and external constituents as well as continue to protect our cultural and natural resources,” said Robin White, the school’s superintendent. "The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continue to be paramount. Our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS (U.S. National Park Service) Office of Public Health using CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers."
Little Rock Central High School was built in 1927 and became a national historic site in September 2007 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school’s desegregation. More than 2,000 people attended the dedication ceremony honoring the 'Little Rock Nine,' nine black students who endured racial taunts and threats under the escort of the National Guard to attend the previously all-white school.
Visitors can learn the school’s history during ranger-led tours at 1:00 p.m. CDT/CST by confirmed reservation only. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours (two days) in advance.
Groups larger than 15 desiring to visit the site must contact the park in advance to see if accommodations can be made. A return to full operations willbe phased in and some services may be limited. U.S. National Park Service staff will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
