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Southern Tenant Farmers Museum: A Voice for the Voiceless

Discover the story of tenant farmers and the Southern Tenant Farmers Union at this historic museum in Tyronza, Arkansas.

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The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum in Tyronza, Arkansas, preserves the history of tenant farming and the Southern Tenant Farmers Union (STFU), a groundbreaking interracial organization formed in 1934. Through exhibits in the restored Mitchell-East Building, the museum tells the story of the struggles and triumphs of those who sought to improve their lives during the Great Depression.

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 special events, as hours can vary.
  • Consider visiting in combination with the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess, AR, another Arkansas State University Heritage Site, for a broader understanding of the Delta region's history.
  • Explore other attractions along the Sunken Lands Cultural Roadway to discover more about the area's rich history and culture.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum is located in downtown Tyronza at 117 N Main St. From Interstate 55, take exit 34 for Marked Tree/AR-14. Follow AR-14 to Tyronza. Once in Tyronza, turn onto Main Street. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available near the museum. There are no parking fees.

  • Walking

    The museum is located in the heart of downtown Tyronza, making it easily accessible on foot from nearby points of interest. From anywhere in the downtown area, head towards Main Street. The museum is located at 117 N Main Street. Look for the historic Mitchell-East Building, which has been restored to its 1930s appearance.

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Discover more about Southern Tenant Farmers Museum

Located in Tyronza, Arkansas, the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of tenant farming in the Mississippi River Delta and the rise of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union. Housed in the historic Mitchell-East Building, the museum occupies the same space where H.L. Mitchell and Clay East, two of the STFU's founders, ran their businesses in the 1930s. The STFU was founded in 1934 by a group of Black and white farmers seeking fair treatment and better wages during the Great Depression. In a time of racial segregation, the STFU was unique in its commitment to interracial cooperation and the inclusion of women in leadership positions. The museum's exhibits use photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and newsreel footage to illustrate the challenges faced by tenant farmers and sharecroppers, as well as the STFU's efforts to advocate for their rights. Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits detailing the evolution of tenant farming after the Civil War, the rise of the STFU, and the impact of agricultural changes on the lives of those who worked the land. The museum also serves as a center for education and reflection on issues of social justice and human rights, connecting the struggles of the past with contemporary issues.

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