This week’s firing of Daniel Cockrell, director of the Old State House Museum, and the earlier firing of one of his top assistants, Georganne Sisco, by the Gov. Sarah Sanders administration drew strong reactions from people who knew them personally and professionally.
“Daniel is the most knowledgeable person about the Old State House building of any living person,” said Jimmy Bryant, former director of the Arkansas Heritage Department, which is now part of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “I was there when he became the director of the museum, and he answered to me. He always did a very good job. He handled the public well, and people liked to hear him speak. When the state lost Daniel’s talents, it left a huge void. Both he and Georganne contributed mightily to the Old State House Museum, and their talents will definitely be missed.”
Cockrell, who held a variety of positions at the museum since 2005 and was named director in 2022 by then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson, said he was fired Monday afternoon after being visited by Marty Ryall, director of the division of Arkansas Heritage; Laura McClellan, deputy director; and Jami Fisher, the division’s CFO. The three, he said, told him the museum was “going in a different direction,” and then handed him his termination paperwork to sign. McClellan has been named interim director.
In early March, Georganne Sisco, education director at the museum, was also fired, Cockrell said, adding that he was forced to fire her by Ryall. Cockrell has declined to discuss any details of his firing, and a spokesperson with the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism said she could only confirm that Cockrell and Sisco no longer work for the state.
Bryant, who retired in 2023, said he felt as if the state was turning its back on its past in favor of recreation.
“Moutain biking, there’s been a lot of emphasis on mountain biking,” Bryant said. “I would prefer that the governor put more emphasis on the history and culture of the state. I don’t see a lot about that, but I see a lot about recreation. There needs to be a more balanced approach.”
Sanders’ husband, Bryan Sanders, chairs the Natural State Initiative, focused on promoting mountain biking trails, hiking and fishing as a way to boost tourism.
Mark Crist, former community outreach director for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, and more recently, head of adult programming for the Central Arkansas Library System, said he had worked with Cockrell and Sisco for many years.
“I’ve known both Daniel and Georganne pretty much the entire time they worked at Heritage,” said Christ, who is now retired. “We did several collaborative projects with the Old State House Museum. Both Daniel and Georganne are consummate professionals, and I am proud to say that I had the privilege of working with them. They are really nice people. Between the two of them, the department is losing some 50 years of museum experience.”
Christ said the two were passionate about their work.
“They were both very hard workers and very dedicated to the mission of the Old State House Museum and to the preservation of that building,” he said.
Patrick Ralston, who retired as the director of the state’s Arts Council last summer, also had high praise for Cockrell and Sisco.
“She is very much an expert in her field,” Ralston said. “She is a well-known and well-respected historian, as was and is David. These are personalities who are known and respected … by their colleagues, not just in Arkansas but around the country. This is an embarrassment not only to Arkansas, but an embarrassment to their field. It says that Arkansas doesn’t respect experience enough that we treat our employees this way.”
He said the people who made the decision to fire the two represent the governor, and the firings make the statement that “nobody needs your expertise.”
“What they have is a DOGE mentality to just burn it all down to the ground,” Ralston said.
Social media was also awash in plaudits for the pair, with dozens of people posting support for them and questioning the governor’s office about the move.
“Why throw out these highly respected, committed, knowledgeable people who love Arkansas, having devoted themselves so thoroughly to its living history?” said Steve Hodge.
“Daniel is one of the smartest and most passionate people that I know. As is Georganne,” said Gini Freemyer. “Having worked at the OSHM, I can attest to the depth of their knowledge and dedication to Arkansas history and the Old State House. My heart is heavy over the changes being made in personnel, the structure, and operational vision.”
Said India Taylor Childress: Daniel Cockrell is a good man. I have known him more than 30 years. The state is losing an inspirational asset who is incredibly passionate about our state’s history. What a sad day for Arkansas.”
“Did he mistakenly order from the Croissanterie?” asked Donnie Garrison.
