LITTLE ROCK, AR – Author and former tourism director Joe David
Rice will speak about his book, “Arkansas Backstories: Quirks, Characters, and
Curiosities of the Natural State,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Arkansas
Heritage at 1100 North St. in Little Rock.
“The stories involving robber barons, scoundrels and wannabe
politicians are fascinating,” Rice said about his book. “I think even
non-history buffs will enjoy learning about some of the incidents and
characters that have helped shape this state.”
Rice’s lecture is part of the quarterly “Pen to Podium: Arkansas
Historical Writers’ Lecture” series, which is sponsored by the Arkansas State
Archives and Friends of the Arkansas State Archives. Tickets are available
online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pen-to-podium-with-joe-david-rice-tickets-73867851733.
The event is free and includes a reception with refreshments
provided by the Friends. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m.
Rice, a well-known writer, researcher and adventurer, has
investigated Arkansas’s unique and lesser-known historical facts, places and
people. “Arkansas is a complex place — part Old
South, part Old West and part traditional hill country – that has shared an
amazing array of people and products with the world,” according to the back of
Rice’s book.
Rice’s delves into tidbits
like how the first sitting member of Congress was shot to
death in Monroe County and how the CIA used secret contracts with an Arkansas
organization to train animals for clandestine activities. During the lecture,
Rice plans to talk about how his book came about and what he has learned from
the experience of researching, writing and publishing historical works.
Rice first published “Arkansas Backstories” in 2018.
A companion to his original book was published this past April. Both books, volumes
1 and 2, are available through stores online. Rice will have books available
for sale at the lecture.
For more information, contact the Arkansas State Archives at state.archives@arkansas.gov or 501-682-6900.
