FEBRUARY 25, 2015
“Father of the G.I. Bill” exhibit to open Feb. 28
Arizona Capitol Museum honors late Sen. Ernest McFarland
PHOENIX – The Arizona Capitol Museum will open its newest exhibit, Ernest McFarland and the G.I. Bill, on Sat., Feb. 28, 2015, at 11 a.m. The McFarland room is the latest addition to the exhibit Arizona: Defense to Development, which explores the impact World War II had on the state.
“Since 1944, more than 19 million service members nationwide have benefitted from Senator McFarland’s legislation,” said Secretary of State Michele Reagan. “A veteran of World War I, it was important to McFarland to assist veterans transitioning back into civilian life.”
Ernest McFarland, or “Mac” as he liked to be called, served Arizona as an U.S. Senator (1941-1953), Governor (1955-1959) and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1965-1971). His impact on Arizona is still being felt today; whether it was fighting for water rights, his tireless work on the G.I. Bill of Rights or the impressive amount of opinions he wrote as an Arizona Supreme Court Justice; McFarland has left a lasting legacy of change and improvement across Arizona.
“Ernest McFarland represents the ability of Americans to reinvent themselves,” said Joan Clark, Arizona State Librarian. “Through terrible personal and professional loss, he was able to persevere – to find a purpose serving Arizonans.”
The new McFarland exhibit has an interactive element that allows visitors to create their own virtual memorial. Visitors use their great life accomplishments, real or imagined, and create a monument depicting their lives. Compare your virtual memorial with the new Ernest McFarland Memorial newly rededicated in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.
The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free parking for Museum visitors in Wesley Bolin Plaza at 17th Avenue and Washington Street. For more information call 602-926-3620. The Arizona Capitol Museum is a branch of the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State.
