News Release

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site visitor center reopens on October 12

Little Rock Central High School NHS visitor center

NPS Photo

News Release Date: October 7, 2021

Contact: Robin White, 501-374-1957

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (NHS) is increasing public access to the visitor center and park programming beginning Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Visitors can expect:
 

• Free admission - open Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT/CST, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT/CST with limited services. 

• Visitor access to park bookstore. 

• No more than 15 visitors will be allowed inside the visitor center/exhibits at any time. A wait list for entry will be implemented on days with high visitation; in this scenario, visitors may be limited to only 30 minutes in the visitor center. The last permitted entry to the visitor center each day will be 30 minutes before scheduled closing times. 

• Weekday and weekend ranger-led tours of no more than 15 visitors will begin on October 12 but will not include access inside Little Rock Central High School. All ranger-led tours will be given only at 1:00 p.m. CDT/CST by confirmed reservation only and must be reserved at a minimum of 48 hours (two days) in advance. Groups wanting to bring more than 15 visitors must contact the park in advance to see if an accommodation can be made. For more information on scheduling a tour, visit the park's website.
   

Outdoor spaces at Little Rock Central High School NHS remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance including the Commemorative Garden and the Elizabeth Eckford Commemorative Bench.                                                                           

“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 Superintendent Robin White. "The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues 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 Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers." 

While these above areas and programs are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may continue to be limited. NPS 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.  

To promote staff and visitors’ safety, masks are required in all NPS buildings and in crowded outdoors spaces regardless of vaccination status. Individuals looking to get COVID-19 vaccine can visit vaccines.gov or text their ZIP code to 438829 to find a location close to them and make an appointment.  

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on the park's official website and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.