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Southern Tenant Farmers Museum: A Voice for the Voiceless

Discover the story of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union and their fight for equality at this historic museum in Tyronza, Arkansas.

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The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum in Tyronza, Arkansas, preserves the history of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union (STFU), a groundbreaking interracial organization that fought for the rights of sharecroppers and tenant farmers during the Great Depression. Housed in the union's original headquarters, the museum uses exhibits and artifacts to tell the story of the STFU's struggle for economic justice in the face of exploitation and inequality.

A brief summary to Southern Tenant Farmers Museum

  • Thursday 9 am-3 pm
  • Friday 9 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website or call ahead for current hours and tour schedules, as they may vary.
  • Consider visiting the Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, about 30 minutes away, for a broader understanding of the Delta's history.
  • The museum is located on the Sunken Lands Cultural Roadway, making it a great starting point for exploring other nearby attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum is located at 117 N Main St in Tyronza. If you're already in the downtown area, it's easily accessible on foot. Simply head towards the intersection of Main Street and N 1st Street. The museum is situated on Main Street.

  • Driving

    If arriving by car, navigate to 117 N Main St, Tyronza, AR 72386. The museum is located on Main Street in the heart of Tyronza. Parking is generally available on the street nearby. There are no parking fees.

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Discover more about Southern Tenant Farmers Museum

The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, located in Tyronza, Arkansas, stands as a powerful reminder of a turbulent period in American history. The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union (STFU), a courageous group of black and white farmers who dared to challenge the exploitative system of tenant farming and sharecropping in the Deep South. The museum is housed in the historic Mitchell-East Building, which once served as the unofficial headquarters of the STFU. In 1934, amidst the hardships of the Great Depression, eleven white and seven African American farmers gathered in a small schoolhouse near Tyronza to form the union. Their goal was simple: to demand fair treatment and a living wage for the thousands of tenant farmers and sharecroppers who toiled in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. What made the STFU remarkable was its commitment to racial equality, a radical stance in a deeply segregated society. Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits featuring historic photographs, artifacts, and oral histories that bring the stories of the tenant farmers to life. Learn about the challenges they faced, the risks they took, and the victories they achieved in their fight for economic justice. The museum also examines the legacy of the STFU as a forerunner of the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting its impact on the struggle for equality in America. The museum includes the restored Mitchell-East Building and the adjacent Tyronza Bank building, with exhibits, a reception area, gift shop, and classroom.

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