The President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace National National Historic Site explains and shows a lot about the history of former president William Jefferson Clinton and his formative years.

A tour starts with a recent video that talks about about the town, his parents and friends  he had while growing up.  His grandfather Eldridge Cassidy moved his family to Hope to work as an ice delivery man.  Hope was a bustling town with several railroads passing through it.

Virginia Cassidy married William Blythe who was a travelling salesman. He had a tragic accident while going to meet his wife and died shortly before his son’s birth. Virginia Clinton moved into her parents’ home where she was living when her son was born.  As she decided to pursue a nurse anesthetist license in Louisiana, her parents took over in raising her son.

In the video, both President Clinton and his close friends Mack McLarty and Joe Purvis speak about childhood connections.  Mr. Clinton was largely raised by his grandparents whose fairness and community spirit inspired him to become a public servant.

President Clinton related the impact that living in a small town had upon him.  It was a safe small town, closely connected with plenty of opportunity.

The former President’s childhood home was in disrepair when the community banded together and restored it with furniture and other items from that time period.

Current park guides include Cody Cook, originally from Hot Springs. He has worked at the Park for 4 years and also worked in Boston and Texas for the National Park Service

Jennifer Taylor, originally from Russellville, has worked for the Park for six months. She has previously worked for the Arkansas State Parks and used to work at Historic Washington.

The Park is open five days a week.