“The Arkansas Environment” is the theme for the Arkansas Historical Association (AHA) 68th annual conference, April 23-25 in Magnolia. All program sessions will be in the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center on the Southern Arkansas University campus.
Those making presentations at the conference include not only historians, but individuals from a range of professions and areas of expertise.
Sen. David Pryor will relive “Saving the Noble Strawberry”, Don Bragg of the U.S. Forest Service will present “G.P. George and the Pine Tree Menace”, Jeannie Whayne of the University of Arkansas will offer a look at “The Changing Delta Landscape”, and J. French Hill will describe how he helped inspire a conservative Texan to weigh in on passage of the sweeping Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984.
Moderators include longtime journalist and political communications professional Rex Nelson and State Historian Wendy Richter.
For a lighter moment during the Friday Awards Banquet, Federal Judge William R. Wilson, who also raises show mules on Rasputin Mule Farm in Central Arkansas, will offer “A Brief for the Mule.” Keynote speakers include the Nature Conservancy’s Scott Simon and Tyson’s Senior Vice President of External Public Relations Archie Schaffer.
This 68th gathering also celebrates the Centennial Anniversary of the four “Farmers’ Schools” created by Act 100 of 1909. Today the schools are Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Southern Arkansas University – Magnolia, and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Special events, including a complimentary steak dinner on Thursday night, and fascinating Friday afternoon tour opportunities will complement the sessions and highlight Magnolia’s and Columbia County’s unique history and extraordinary hospitality.
Ben Johnson, dean of Liberal and Performing Arts, is the program chair for the meeting.
The conference, which is supported in part by grants from the Arkansas Humanities Council, Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the Magnolia Advertising & Promotion Commission, is open to the public. Teacher in-service certificates will be available. Registration is $5.
For more information contact Donna Ludlow, 479-575-5884, e-mail dludlow@uark.edu, access information on the AHA web site at www.uark.edu/depts/arkhist/home/annual.html or log onto www.saumag.edu.
