Hope Lions Open New Year With Visitor from the Williams Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site

The Hope Lions had a fascinating program for their first meeting of 2026 when Shelia Malone of the Williams Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site brought the program Monday (1-5).  Malone serves as chief of interpretation for the facility.

Malone brought a power point presentation and profiled the staff at the facility including Superintendent Steven Akins.  Malone also noted they have lots of high school age volunteers.

The program pointed out some special programs the National Park Site offers.  This includes a Jr. Rangers program.  The Jr. Rangers will have a “Backyard Birding” event February 14th at 10am. Malone said the staff also goes out to area festivals to interact with the community.  The facility also offers some education programs.

The visitor count for the facility increased last year.  Malone noted the visitor count was 4,568 in 2024 and increased to 7,088 in 2025.  She noted the facility gets to count programs they participate in and the staff participated in more programs last year including the Back to School Bash, the Watermelon Festival, the Jonquil Festival, and the James Black Bowie Festival at Washington.

Malone closed out by noting volunteers are needed at the William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site.  Anyone who would like to learn more about volunteering can contact volunteer coordinator Ashton Farrell at 870-826-6205.