Location

The Historical Research Center is located on the fifth floor of the Library, Room 5/109.  It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. See the Library Calendar for holiday closings. Researchers may access the Historical Research Center via the staircase or the elevator located on the 1st floor of the Library in the Active Learning Center (ALC) to access the Historical Research Center.

The Robert Watson History of Medicine Room, a component of the HRC, is located on the first floor of the UAMS Library, adjacent to the Active Learning Center. This room features exhibits showcasing the contributions of Robert C. Watson, M.D. (1908-1994), who was known as the the "father of neurosurgery in Arkansas."  A native of Mena, Arkansas, Dr. Watson graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine (now UAMS) in 1935.

The Watson Room was furnished and dedicated in 1980, by Dr. Watson's professional associates in his honor upon his retirement from an active practice of neurosurgery. Donors for the Watson Room included Drs. W. Ray Jouett, John H. Adametz, Robert D. Dickins Jr., Wilbur M. Giles, David L. Reding, and Ronald N. Williams. In 2021, Dr. Watson's daughter, Lindsey Watson Allen, and granddaughter, Katharine Allen Adams, generously underwrote the installation of a new exhibit case in the room.

The Historical Research Center supports the research, teaching and learning mission of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences by collecting, preserving, and providing access to unique and rare materials chronicling the history of Medicine in the state of Arkansas.  We are open to the public and welcome all interested researchers to visit and view the archives. 

Visitors to the Historical Research Center and the UAMS Library are encouraged to utilize Parking Deck 2 which provides public parking for a fee.  Driving directions to the campus as well as parking information for visitors can be found on the libraries Directions page.  After parking, walk down to the street level to access the Education II building.

When you approach either the North or South entrances to the Education II building, simply press the intercom button to gain admittance into the library.  The central stairway to the 2nd floor will lead you to an elevator that is down a hallway opposite the stairs. Selecting the 5th floor will bring you directly to the Historical Research Center.

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If you have any trouble getting to the 5th floor, speak to the library staff at the circulation desk located near the entrance of the Library.  Our library staff will be happy to provide assistance.  We look forward to seeing you!