Jacqueline’s Jaunts

Genealogy Fireworks in Stonewall: Whispers, Surprises, and a Happy Dance Most genealogy days feel routine, like flipping through old pages. But every now and then, you hit the jackpot — fireworks go off, your heart races, and the ancestors practically shout, “Pay attention!” That’s exactly what happened to me in Stonewall. From the moment we pulled out of the Arbuckle RV Resort — just a 30-minute drive away — I had no clue the day would end with me doing a full-on genealogy happy dance. Everything felt wet and balmy due to last night’s crazy thunderstorm. However, late spring still lingers, and the green grasses along the highway glistened from the rain the night before.  Once we arrived in Stonewall, we parked on Main Street. Barry went into a store to see if they had a few supplies we needed. The row of old buildings we parked in front of included the store. I just wanted to walk the street and take it all in. Knowing my Griffin grandparents, Bertha and R. D., Uncle Richard, Uncl...

Why the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List Our last morning in Arkansas started slow — coffee, a quick breakfast — and ended with an unforgettable trip through U.S. history at the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas . We decided to go to the U.S. Marshals Museum , sitting just a minute down the road from our RV Park — practically next door. We let the RV Park know we would be checking out late, and they were fine. Everyone who works there recommends the museum, and rightfully so. This Fort Smith attraction absolutely blew us away with its exhibits and storytelling. Since it had just opened on July 1, 2023, everything felt fresh and exciting. We spent two hours exploring the history of America’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. We came across a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, with an inscription honoring Marshals who died from illnesses connected to the attacks — a sobering and powerful memorial. A couple of i...