Politically Designated: Arkansas Symbols, Slogans and Landmarks
The Natural State, pink tomatoes, courthouses, the fiddle, Dutch ovens, and square dancing—Arkansas can trace its history by examining the symbols, slogans and landmarks that have been declared, at one point or another, official designations by politicians. These designations reflect significant historic events, unique flora and fauna, art forms and cultural traditions.
Citizens have used the political process to formally recognize, preserve and share important aspects of our heritage. Local, state and federal government entities have created agencies, passed laws and appointed funding towards this goal.
A historic role of public education in America has been to develop knowledgeable citizens that will become engaged in the political process that governs their lives and communities. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of and a greater tendency to contribute to the democratic process if they understand how the local community is unique—yet connected to a larger, national identity.
The national landscape has changed drastically over the last few decades. While Americans still proudly look to national symbols like the Liberty Bell, the Eagle on our country's seal and the Stars and Stripes, they also witness the increasing homogeneity of their homeland, with master-planned communities, chain stores, strip malls and cookie-cutter sprawl. Things are looking more and more the same “from sea to shining sea.” In light of this development, it is especially important to study and share local, unique heritage.
Join us this year as DAH presents a series of summer workshops that will focus on symbols, slogans and landmarks as keys to our state's heritage and identity. Participants will study how official designations underline the uniqueness of an important event, location or person and how they help strengthen a sense of belonging and commitment among local residents. We will share information on the political processes that were used to determine and preserve these resources. A number of engaging activities will be used to discover, recognize and celebrate local symbols, slogans and landmarks.
Participants will need to bring all food and drink necessary for the day. Comfortable shoes and casual clothing are highly recommended. For additional registration information, please contact Tammie Dillon at
If an event is full, you may still register. We will notify you in the event of a vacancy.
| Dates | Location | Address | Time | Max. # of Participants | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homage to the Pink Tomato Registration Past |
Bradley County Courthouse Courthouse Square, Warren |
|
50 |
Homage to the Pink TomatoIn Warren, we will celebrate the only state symbol that holds two designations, the Pink Tomato. As the state fruit and vegetable, the pink tomato is one of the symbols that have been designated as important to understanding our heritage. This four-session workshop will investigate Arkansas symbols and landmarks by using buildings and poetry as ways to understanding our past. It will be held in the Bradley County Courthouse, with some activities outdoors. During the first morning session, participants will become Pink Tomato City citizens and will learn how to use the local community as a teaching resource. We will spend some time outdoors touring the town and studying the landmarks that have been built in one community. The second session will teach participants about Arkansas’s political past by examining the structures associated with politics. After lunch, the afternoon session will focus on the Pink Tomato Festival and its 52 year celebration. In the final session, participants will become Poet Laureates for the day. Under the guidance of a professional writer/artist, we will incorporate poetry into the curriculum by writing our own Homage to the Pink Tomato Poem, which we will leave to the town of Warren.
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| Tales and Historic Trails in the Land of Opportunity: Helena Registration Past |
Delta Cultural Center 141 Cherry Street, Helena |
|
50 |
Tales and Historic Trails in the Land of Opportunity: HelenaDescribed as the place where the Spanish explorer Hernando Desoto stepped into Arkansas, Helena will host a four-session workshop that will focus on historic trails, immigrants, cultural contributions and folktales. (This workshop will also be offered at the Janet Huckabee Nature Center, Fort Smith/Barling.) Participants will begin the day by stepping into the shoes of an early Arkansas traveler. We will look at the well-traveled paths that have been designated important to the national story. In our second morning session, we will learn more about the trails and people that have come to the state. Who were these folks, where did they come from and why did they decide to journey to Arkansas? After lunch, the third session will look at African Americans, their lives in the South, their contributions to American history and culture and their migration north. Our final learning session will focus on the folktales brought by the immigrants and how these stories shaped our state.
TARGET AUDIENCE: K-12, Social Studies, Language Arts, Gifted instructors, Special Needs instructors
WEBSITES: |
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| Tales and Historic Trails in the Land of Opportunity: Fort Smith Registration Past |
Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center 8300 Wells Lake Road, Barling |
|
50 |
Tales and Historic Trails in the Land of Opportunity: Fort SmithHome to the original edge of the frontier/first gateway to the West, Fort Smith will host a four-session workshop that will focus on historic trails, immigrants, cultural contributions and folktales. (This workshop will also be offered at the Delta Cultural Center in Helena.) Participants will begin the day by stepping into the shoes of an early Arkansas traveler. We will look at the well-traveled paths that have been designated important to the national story. In our second morning session, we will learn more about the trails and people that have come to the state. Who were these folks, where did they come from and why did they decide to journey to Arkansas? After lunch, the third session will look at African Americans, their lives in the South, their contributions to American history and culture and their migration north. Our final learning session will focus on the folktales brought by the immigrants and how these stories shaped our state.
WEBSITES: |
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| Protecting the Natural State: Buffalo Registration Past |
St. Joe Community Center Highway 65, St. Joe |
|
50 |
Protecting the Natural State: BuffaloMany of Arkansas’s symbols, slogans and landmarks honor our natural environment. Join us at the Buffalo River, the first to be designated as a National River in the United States, where we will learn about our unique natural heritage though indoor and outdoor activities. Our first session will meet at the St. Joe Community Center. This workshop will explore Arkansas as the “Natural State” and how we have honored our unique environment by designating symbols and sites to protect our natural heritage. The second session will provide participates with an understanding of how we have chosen to acknowledge, protect and use these resources through local, state and federal entities. Arkansas is home to some rare plants and animals. We will learn about these inhabitants, state and federal laws enacted to protect these rare species and the role every citizen plays in assisting with this endeavor. Our last session will take place at Tyler Bend Visitors Center and nearby outdoor environs where a close view and a discussion of the river will be provided by a park ranger. We will study the history of the resource, what makes it special and how it is protected.
WEBSITES: |
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| Powerful Places Registration Past |
Old State House Museum 300 West Markham, Little Rock |
|
50 |
Powerful PlacesMany of Arkansas’s important landmarks have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These important manmade structures and sites are found in every community. Some of these places reveal a different time, event or cultural tradition. Others are important because of the way they were designed. All buildings tell a story. This workshop will help you to define the special places within your own community and learn of other Arkansas landmarks that have shaped the state and nation. During the morning, participants will gain an understanding of important landmarks for the state and how they may find and acknowledge significant places in their own community. They will explore downtown Little Rock through walking tours and learn about the political system through an examination of the buildings erected to serve the people. The public buildings that function as city hall or a county courthouse tend to feature the most elaborate and impressive architecture to be found for miles around to symbolize the strength, resilience and prosperity of the citizens who paid for it. During the afternoon, we will focus on the Old State House Museum, a very important structure with significance to not only Arkansas, but to the nation as well. The building, its collections and interesting history will be developed through tours, lectures and hands-on activities. |
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| The Arkansas Traveler in Pursuit of Happiness: Little Rock Registration Past - Event Full |
Historic Arkansas Museum 200 East Third Street, Little Rock |
|
50 |
The Arkansas Traveler in Pursuit of Happiness: Little RockCome sing, dance and cook your way to a better understanding of some of Arkansas’s state symbols. Whereas many of the symbols and slogans honor our natural environment, this workshop will focus on activities performed by people. Many times these activities are used as a way to celebrate. Held in the first state museum, Historic Arkansas Museum with its indoor and outdoor facilities, this workshop offers an opportunity to learn about Arkansas symbols and slogans associated with the pursuit of happiness. (This workshop will also be offered at Powhatan Historic Park, Powhatan.) In one session, participants will learn of Arkansas’s musical heritage with specific regard to our political sounds and state-designated tunes. Another session will teach the various movements that are part of our state’s dance, the square dance. Throughout the day you will cook and taste food prepared using a Dutch oven, the state’s official cooking vessel. Come join us for an active day learning how to perform these activities and ways to integrate them into the curriculum.
WEBSITE: |
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| The Arkansas Traveler in Pursuit of Happiness: Powhatan Registration Past |
Powhatan State Park Powhatan |
|
50 |
The Arkansas Traveler in Pursuit of Happiness: PowhatanCome sing, dance and cook your way to a better understanding of some of Arkansas’s state symbols. Whereas many of the symbols and slogans honor our natural environment, this workshop will focus on activities performed by people. Many times these activities are used as a way to celebrate. Held in the historic courthouse and at some outdoor locations in Powhatan Historic State Park, this workshop offers an opportunity to learn about Arkansas symbols and slogans associated with the pursuit of happiness. (This workshop will also be offered at Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock.) In one session, participants will learn of Arkansas’s musical heritage with specific regard to our political sounds and state-designated tunes. Another session will teach the various movements that are part of our state’s dance, the square dance. Throughout the day you will cook and taste food prepared using a Dutch oven, the state’s official cooking vessel. Come join us for an active day learning how to perform these activities and ways to integrate them into the curriculum.
WEBSITES: |
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| A National Landmark: Hot Springs Registration Past - Event Full |
Arlington Hotel 239 Central Avenue, Hot Springs |
|
50 |
A National Landmark: Hot SpringsWater, an essential element of life, is an abundant natural resource for Arkansas. One site in particular, Hot Springs, has been utilized by man for thousands of years. The federal government understood the importance of this place and designated it as the first Federal Reserve in 1832, years before Yellowstone would become the first National Park. Arkansas has acknowledged the importance of this site by seeking its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Today, Hot Springs is perhaps the most visited town within the natural state. In this six-hour workshop, through indoor and outdoor activities, we will focus on the natural and manmade environment. After an overview of the importance of water to the state, the participants will learn about the buildings and sites created by man to use and honor this resource. Participants will learn about the water and the unique environment, as well as the discoveries that continue to be made in this special place.
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| A National Landmark: Old State House Museum Registration Past - Event Full |
Old State House Museum 300 West Markham, Little Rock |
|
50 |
A National Landmark: Old State House MuseumSpend the day in the oldest state house west of the Mississippi River. This National Historic Landmark will unveil the stories that are found within its walls. During the morning, participants will receive an overview of National Historic Landmarks in the state. Presentations will focus on the building’s history, from construction to its use as a state museum and its importance to the state and nation. Opportunities to witness politicians and political events from our past will complete the session. The remainder of the day, we will actively examine collections that relate to our state’s political history, such as buttons for campaigns, cartoons that reveal our thoughts about political endeavors and more.
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