Over forty thousand people have visited Hope, Arkansas since the Clinton Birthplace Museum was restored and opened in 1997 by the Clinton Birthplace Foundation. Of the world’s 193 countries, citizens from 157 countries have come to visit President Bill Clinton’s first home, the home he shared with his mother and maternal grandparents Edith and Eldridge Cassidy. The museum’s World Atlas Map is filled with red visitor pins from Antarctica to Greenland, all around the equator and almost everywhere in between. Visitors make the pilgrimage because President Clinton’s ideas and policies have had an important impact in their lives and their countries. They want to know about his life.
On Wednesday, December 13, from 4:30-6 PM, there will be an outside tree lighting and dedication ceremony of the2006 Clinton Birthplace Global Visitor’s Tree on the south lawn of the museum located at S Hervey St. and 2nd St. The lighting will take place at 5:00 PM. Visitors are invited to join this celebration. While visiting they may also view a replica of little Billy Blythe Clinton’s 1948 Christmas tree in the Cassidy home.
The Clinton Birthplace Global Visitors Tree is a fifteen-ft. combination of native pines and cedars with magnolia branches. The tree is presented to the area in an ecumenical spirit. In the tradition of many countries, cultures and faiths, the tree represents the putting aside of differences and gathering together around light during the dark days of winter. Names of the 157 countries represented on the museum’s visitor map have been written on the ornament ribbons. The tree is topped with a dove and olive branch. The Global Visitors Tree is accented with blue lights representing the waters of Earth and with purple and gold chains representing the importance of communication among all countries. The river of blue light ends in a basket filled with fruit. Beside it is an empty basket as a reminder of places on this Earth where there is no abundance.
The Global Visitors Tree is dedicated to the over forty-thousand people who have traveled from near and far to visit President Clinton’s first home. The lighting design of the tree is inspired by Clinton’s Global Initiative. It is a visual arts response to President Clinton’s Foundation to strengthen and foster global interdependence.
Driving directions: From IH 30 take Exit 30 to S on SH 278 B, aka S Hervey St, into downtown for 1.3 miles to the railroad underpass. Just beyond underpass look immediately to the left. Clinton Birthplace House Museum and Visitor Center is on the block between Division St. and 2nd St. Turn left on 2nd street to fenced parking lot and entrance area behind museum. Museum open M-Sat 10-5, tree will remain until New Years.