The Arkansas State Archives, along with archives across the U.S.,
will celebrate the work of archives and archivists during Archives Month this
October.
“The Arkansas State Archives is instrumental to preserving
Arkansas’s heritage, cultural identity and history,” said Julienne Crawford,
interim director. “The month of October traditionally has been set aside as a way to
raise awareness about the importance of archival collections and the work our
staff do. In honor of Archives Month, the Arkansas State Archives will
host several events, including a symposium celebrating the bicentennial of
Arkansas becoming a territory.”
The Arkansas State Archives’ duties include preserving historical
documents, artifacts and materials, providing research resources and equipment,
creating educational programs and material for teachers, digitizing records and
holding workshops and lectures. Archives Month is meant to recognize and raise
the public’s awareness about the Arkansas State Archives and the
importance of historic documents and records, Crawford said. The Arkansas State
Archives has celebrated Arkansas Archives Month, as part of the national event,
since its creation in 2006.
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The Arkansas State Archives' touring exhibit,
"Territorial Arkansas: The Wild Western Frontier"kicked off earlier this year at the Capitol. The exhibit will be on display during as part of Archives Month at the MacAurthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. |
As part of Arkansas Archives Month, the State Archives will
present “1819-1836: A History of Territorial Arkansas” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26, at MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little
Rock. Special speakers at the symposium include: Theo Witsell, chief of
research and inventory of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, who will
discuss the Thomas Nuttall exploration of Arkansas; Dr. Charles Bolton, history
professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, who will
present “Federal Aid and the Infrastructure of Arkansas Territory;” Callie
Williams, education outreach coordinator with the Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program, who will talk about Territorial era buildings; and local
author and historian Gary Pinkerton, who will talk about Trammel’s Trace.
The Arkansas State Archives’ traveling exhibit, “Territorial
Arkansas: The Wild Western Frontier,” will be on display at the event. Teachers
can earn up to four professional development hours by attending. The event is
free and lunch is provided, but reservations are required by Oct. 20. To make
reservations, visit archives.arkansas.gov or call
501-682-6900.
Also as part of Archives Month, Melissa Nesbitt, archival manager
of the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives, will
present a free genealogy workshop from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at
Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This workshop is a great opportunity to learn the
basics of researching family history.
Reserve a ticket before Oct. 3 at www.facebook.com/events/671170546626934/.
The Arkansas State Archives will participate in national “Ask An
Archivist Day” for the general public via Twitter on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and
Electronic Records Day on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The National Archives also will host a virtual Genealogy Fair on
Wednesday, Oct. 23.
“We encourage Arkansans statewide to investigate their
Arkansas roots and family stories and to discover the trove of historical
artifacts, material and records our Arkansas State Archives holds,” said Stacy
Hurst, secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and state
historic preservation officer. “Join us in celebrating your Arkansas
State Archives.”
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| Arkansas Territory map, drawn and published by Fielding Lucas Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland, B.T. Welch & Co. in 1823. Map 1543, courtesy of the Arkansas State Archives |
