Miss Laura's Brothel Museum

Not So Silent Night Christmas Soiree
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Join us at the Brothel Museum on December 12th at 6 PM for our inaugural Christmas Soiree. We’ll start the evening with social hour and singing Christmas Carols with music played by famed pianist Eduardo Guzman. Light refreshments and snacks will be available. We will be giving a presentation centered on Edgar Degas and his famous ballerina paintings. Bridget Duncan from the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum will give us some history on Edgar Degas. Just wait, you’ll never guess what the connection is!! Tickets are only $35. Only 30 tickets will be available and can be purchased online or in person. Click here to purchase tickets online or come by Miss Laura’s from 10-4 Mon-Sat. Come adorned in your best Christmas attire and spend the evening with us. MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND!

Evolution of Human Trafficking Laws
2025-01-16 13:30 - 14:30 | AR
Join us this January for a 4 part round table discussion presented in partnership with The Crisis Intervention Center and The Monarch 61 Project. We will cover everything from the history of human trafficking laws to the aftercare.

Part 1 will explore the history of human trafficking laws and the reasons behind their creation. Bring your questions for an in-depth discussion.

Human Trafficking in the 21st Century
2025-01-22 13:30 - 14:30 | AR
Join us this January for a 4 part round table discussion presented in partnership with The Crisis Intervention Center and The Monarch 61 Project. We will cover everything from the history of human trafficking laws to the aftercare.

Part 2 we will talk more about what human trafficking is like today, its ongoing prevalence and impact in today’s world. We look forward to your questions, so come prepared.

Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking
2025-01-25 14:00 - 15:00 | AR
Join us this January for a 4 part round table discussion presented in partnership with The Crisis Intervention Center and The Monarch 61 Project. We will cover everything from the history of human trafficking laws to the aftercare.

Part 3 is a doosey. We will discuss prevention, detection, online trafficking, grooming tactics, and how traffickers evade law enforcement. We will also discuss tactics and methods used by traffickers, including recruitment, transportation, and exploitation. We’re looking forward to a great community discussion.

Healing and Hope: Surviving Human Trafficking
2025-01-27 13:30 - 14:30 | AR
Join us this January for a 4 part round table discussion presented in partnership with The Crisis Intervention Center and The Monarch 61 Project. We will cover everything from the history of human trafficking laws to the aftercare.

In our final round table we’ll explore the profound aftermath of human trafficking and discuss the aftercare and resources available within our community

An Evening in Storyville
2025-02-08 17:00 - 19:30 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Miss Laura’s and members of the UAFS Jazz Catz present A Night in Storyville. Come for an hour set with members of the Jazz Catz and a presentation about Storyville, one of the largest red light districts in the US. This event is free

Prostitution in the Progressive Era
2025-03-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Join us on March 1st at 2 PM as we kick off Women’s History Month in the only way we know how…talking about prostitution in the progressive era. Starting around 1897 big social reforms were taking place and it affected vice in some critical ways. Emma and Juliana will cover all of that and more. We’ll see you there!

Women's History in Prostitution from 1900-1910s
2025-03-05 13:30 - 14:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Join Us at the Museum for a Fascinating Discussion on Women’s History in Prostitution (1900–1910s)!
Step back in time as we explore the lives of the madams who shaped the red-light districts of the early 20th century. Discover the fashion, makeup, and even the scandalous undergarments of the era!
From the glamorous to the notorious, we’ll delve into the world of women who made history in unexpected ways. Don’t miss this intriguing and eye-opening presentation

Women's Property Rights: Then and Now
2025-03-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Join us at Miss Laura’s on International Women’s Day as Danyell Barker with Re/Max Executives Real Estate gives us this brief history of women’s property ownership rights and a first time homeowners workshop.

Women's History in Prostitution in the 1920s
2025-03-12 13:30 - 14:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Step back in time with us at the museum as we explore the fascinating world of women’s history through the lens of 1920s prostitution. Discover the stories of influential madams, the fashion trends that defined the era, the beauty secrets of the past, and even the daring undergarments that made a statement—scandalous, we know. This event is free to the public.

Women's History Month: 6 Influential Women in Fort Smith History
2025-03-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
You’re in for a real treat on this one! Cody Faber from the Fort Smith National Historic Site is back at Miss Laura’s to talk all about 6 of the most influential women in Fort Smith’s origin story. You’ll be shocked to learn that none of them were prostitutes! This event is free to the public

Women's History in Prostitution in the 1930s
2025-03-19 13:30 - 14:00, 2025-03-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Don’t miss the next installment of our Women’s History Month series! This week, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Depression-era prostitution. The 1930s brought a dramatic shift in women’s roles, fashion, makeup, and culture—join us as we uncover the untold stories of survival and transformation during this turbulent time!

Women's History in Prostitution in the 1940s
2025-03-26 13:30 - 14:30 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
The 1940s was a groundbreaking era for women, marked by resilience, transformation, and newfound independence. As war reshaped the world, women stepped into roles they had never held before, proving their strength and forever changing society. Beyond their contributions to the workforce and war effort, this decade also saw dramatic shifts in fashion, beauty, and undergarments—ushering in iconic looks that still influence style today. We’ll also dive into the lives of some of the most influential madams of the time, uncovering their impact on history. Get ready to explore a decade of bold changes, fierce determination, and lasting legacies!

Women's History in Prostitution in the 1940s
2025-03-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
This will be the last of our Women’s History Month Presentations. The 1940s was a groundbreaking era for women, marked by resilience, transformation, and newfound independence. As war reshaped the world, women stepped into roles they had never held before, proving their strength and forever changing society. Beyond their contributions to the workforce and war effort, this decade also saw dramatic shifts in fashion, beauty, and undergarments—ushering in iconic looks that still influence style today. We’ll also dive into the lives of some of the most influential madams of the time, uncovering their impact on history. Get ready to explore a decade of bold changes, fierce determination, and lasting legacies!

Moral Reform in the Progressive Area-Fort Smith
2025-04-18 13:30 - 14:30 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Get ready for an exciting and eye-opening talk! Join us on April 18th at 1:30 PM as Shanna Jones takes us on a fascinating journey into the heart of Fort Smith’s moral reformation. She’ll uncover how this pivotal movement reshaped the city and, more specifically, how it impacted the women of Commercial Row. You won’t want to miss this in-depth exploration of history, society, and the powerful stories of those who lived it! This event is free to the public. See you there!

Bertha's Book Shelf Book Club Inaugural Meeting
2025-05-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
📚✨ Calling All Book Lovers!
Join us for the inaugural meeting of our brand-new Book Club—where great reads, lively conversation, and a little local flair come together!
We’ll be gathering every other Saturday from 10–11 AM in the cozy bar area of Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum to sip, chat, and dive into our featured book of the month.
📖 This month’s read: Come Into My Parlor by Charles Washburn—an irresistible tale that’s sure to spark some juicy discussion. This book can be purchased through Amazon, Thrift Books or Abe Books.
Can’t join us in person? No problem! Fill out the Contact Us form at misslaurasmuseum.com, and we’ll send you a Google Meets link so you can join the fun from anywhere.
Books, banter, and brothel history? Yes, please. See you there!

1st Saturday Scavenger Hunt
2025-05-03 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-07 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Ready for an adventure?Join us at Miss Laura’s on the 1st Saturday of every month for a thrilling Scavenger Hunt!Explore, search, and uncover hidden treasures between 10 AM and 3 PM — if you find all the items, you’ll win a prize!
Need a little help? No worries — each participant gets one hint from our staff to keep you on track.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Come find out!

Bertha's Bookshelf-Come Into My Parlor
2025-05-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
📚✨ Calling All Book Lovers!
We’ll be gathering every other Saturday from 10–11 AM in the cozy bar area of Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum to sip, chat, and dive into our featured book of the month.
📖 This month’s read: Come Into My Parlor by Charles Washburn—an irresistible tale that’s sure to spark some juicy discussion.
Can’t join us in person? No problem! Fill out the Contact Us form at misslaurasmuseum.com, and we’ll send you a Google Meets link so you can join the fun from anywhere.
Books, banter, and brothel history? Yes, please. See you there!

Bertha's Bookshelf-Come Into My Parlor
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
📚💋 Book Club Babes, Get Ready!
This week, we’re wrapping up our wild ride through Come Into My Parlor by Charles Washburn—so bring your thoughts, hot takes, and favorite quotes as we close out May with a bang!
But wait… there’s more! 👀 We’ll also be diving into a sneak peek of our juicy June pick: My Life as a Whore: The Biography of Madam Laura Evens by Tracy Beach. You won’t want to miss this one—it’s bold, fascinating, and totally on-brand.
Can’t join us in person? No problem! Fill out the Contact Us form at misslaurasmuseum.com, and we’ll send you a Google Meets link so you can join the fun from anywhere.
💃 History, scandal, and powerful women? Yes, please. See you there!

Bertha's Bookshelf-My Life as a Whore: The Biography of Madam Laura Evens
2025-06-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
🔥📖 Hold onto your hats, book lovers!
This week, we’re diving headfirst into our scandalously irresistible June pick: My Life as a Whore: The Biography of Madam Laura Evans by Tracy Beach!
This no-holds-barred biography doesn’t waste a single page—it’s bold, raw, and full of juicy, unapologetic storytelling that’ll keep you hooked from the very first line.
💃 Get ready for grit, glam, and a whole lot of sass—we cannot wait to dig into this one with you!
See you there, you fabulous literary rebels! 💋

Bertha's Bookshelf - My Life as a Whore: The Biography of Madam Laura Evens
2025-06-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
🔥 It’s Book Club Week at Bertha’s Bookshelf! 🔥We’re diving into the final pages of our juicy June pick:My Life as a Whore: The Biography of Madam Laura Evans by Tracy Beach — and trust us, it’s ending with a bang!
📖 PLUS — we’re revealing our steamy new July pick and we’re so excited to share it with you. 👀 Stay tuned!
📍 Join us every other Saturday from 10–11 AM in the bar area of Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum for bold books, lively chatter, and a dose of historic mischief.
💻 Not in town? No problem! Visit misslaurasmuseum.com and fill out the Contact Us form—we’ll send you a Google Meets link so you can tune in from anywhere.
Books, bawdiness? You know you want in. 😉

1st Saturday Scavenger Hunt
2025-07-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
Ready for an adventure?
Join us at Miss Laura’s on the 1st Saturday of every month for a thrilling Scavenger Hunt!Explore, search, and uncover hidden treasures between 10 AM and 3 PM — if you find all the items, you’ll win a prize!
Need a little help? No worries — each participant gets one hint from our staff to keep you on track.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Come find out! This event is free

Bertha's Bookshelf - Prostitution in the Gilded Age: The Jennie Hollister Story
2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
✨ This Week at Bertha’s Bookshelf… Step into the Gilded Age! ✨We’re cracking open our sizzling new read:Prostitution in the Gilded Age: The Jennie Hollister Story by Kevin Murphy — and it’s going to be a wild ride.
Meet Jennie Hollister—one of the most successful and elusive madames of her time. Her story isn’t just history—it’s legend. Every city in America had a version of Jennie:💃 Fannie Porter‘s brothel in San Antonio catered to infamous outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid…🌉 Sally Stanford ruled San Francisco’s underworld with charm and cunning—and later became the mayor of Sausalito.🎷 Josie Arlington brought luxury and infamy to New Orleans’s legendary Storyville in 1895.⛰️ And Eleanora Dumont lit up boomtowns across the Rockies with her bawdy empire.
Their differences? So tiny, they could fit on a ladybug’s nose—but their impact? Absolutely unforgettable.
So grab your book, your favorite drink, and your curiosity—because the Gilded Age just got a whole lot more scandalous.

Bertha's Bookshelf - Prostitution in the Gilded Age: The Jennie Hollister Story
2025-07-26 08:00 - 17:00 | AR
✨ This Week at Bertha’s Bookshelf… We’re Wrapping Up a Wild Ride! ✨We’re finishing up our sultry June read:Prostitution in the Gilded Age: The Jennie Hollister Story by Kevin Murphy — and trust us, Jennie’s story is ending with a bang!
Jennie Hollister was one of the most successful madames of the Gilded Age, a woman whose influence echoed across the country.
📚 Don’t miss this final deep dive into Jennie’s world. Bring your book, your favorite beverage, and join the conversation as we say goodbye to a true Gilded Age icon.
🎉 PLUS — we’ll be revealing our August pick, and we can’t wait to share what’s next on the shelf. Get ready for another bold, unforgettable read!

Bertha's Bookshelf - Hell's Half Acre: The Life and Legend of a Red Light District
2025-08-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
🔥 This Week at Bertha’s Bookshelf: Step Into the Wild Side of Texas! 🔥We’re cracking open a legendary tale of vice, violence, and vibrant characters with:Hell’s Half Acre: The Life and Legend of a Red-Light District by Richard F. Selcer
In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, Hell’s Half Acre was the West’s most notorious red-light district—a rowdy mix of bordellos, saloons, gambling dens, and dance halls where legends were born, battled, and sometimes buried.
From gunslingers like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday to madams like Mary Porter and outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch, the Acre attracted the bold, the infamous, and the unforgettable. It was a place that defied reform and fueled the local economy—much to the frustration of moral crusaders.
📚 Join us this Saturday from 10–11 AM in the bar area at Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum for a lively discussion. Bring your book, your favorite beverage, and get ready to dive into the grit, glamour, and legacy of the Wild West’s most infamous neighborhood.
You won’t want to miss this one—see you there!

Bertha's Bookshelf - Hell's Half Acre: The Life and Legend of a Red-Light District
2025-08-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
🔥 This Week at Bertha’s Bookshelf: Step Into the Wild Side of Texas! 🔥We’re wrapping up our unforgettable summer read:Hell’s Half Acre: The Life and Legend of a Red-Light District by Richard F. Selcer
In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, Hell’s Half Acre was the West’s most notorious red-light district—a rowdy mix of bordellos, saloons, gambling dens, and dance halls where legends were born, battled, and sometimes buried.
From gunslingers like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday to madames like Mary Porter, and outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch, the Acre attracted the bold, the infamous, and the unforgettable. It was a place that defied reform and fueled the local economy—much to the frustration of moral crusaders.
📚 Join us this Saturday from 10–11 AM in the bar area at Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum as we finish our deep dive into this legendary red-light district and reveal our exciting September pick!
Bring your book, your favorite beverage, and get ready for another lively morning of books, banter, and brothel history.You won’t want to miss it—see you there!

Bertha's Bookshelf - Uneasy Virtue
2025-09-06 10:00 | Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR, 72901, United States
📖 Coming This September for Bertha’s Bookshelf… Brace Yourself for a Bold, Eye-Opening Read!
We’re stepping back to take a deep dive into the politics, power struggles, and uncomfortable truths behind prostitution in America with:Uneasy Virtue: The Politics of Prostitution and the American Reform Tradition by Barbara Meil Hobson
This isn’t just history—it’s a fearless exploration of over 150 years of contested reform, shifting moral standards, and societal control. Hobson takes us on a gripping journey through the complex tug-of-war between public virtue and private vice—highlighting one of the most elusive and controversial laws in U.S. history: The Chamberlain-Kahn Act.
📚 This groundbreaking book is tough to put down, and we can’t wait to peel back its pages with you. Get ready for thought-provoking discussion, rich historical context, and a new understanding of how deeply these issues still echo today.
Join us for an unforgettable September read—where reform meets resistance, and virtue is anything but simple.
