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ARKANSAS’S 172nd BIRTHDAY TO BE CELEBRATED AT THE OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM
May 29, 2008
LITTLE ROCK--The Old State House Museum will host an old-fashioned birthday bash when it presents the Arkansas Statehood Celebration on Saturday, June 7, 2008. In honor of the 172nd anniversary of our state’s entry into the union, the museum will have living history events and a variety of hands-on activities that the whole family can enjoy, re-created as they were in 1836, the year Arkansas became one of the United States of America. A special treat for visitors this year is the opportunity to view the original state constitution, loaned to the museum for this event by the Arkansas History Commission.
The festivities will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. within the museum and on the front lawn. Scheduled events include militia drills and firing demonstrations, a flag ceremony, a political nominating meeting, and a debate between 1836 gubernatorial candidates James Conway and Absalom Fowler. Visitors can experience life as an early Arkansan by participating in a wide range of activities, including citizen discussions and campaigning for political candidates, enlisting and marching with the militia, and voting in that year’s state elections. Visitors can also observe a ladies’ sewing circle creating a new state flag, or they can design and create their own flag. Kids can discover the camaraderie and fun of the early 19th century by playing a variety of old-fashioned games, including skittles and trap ball.
The Arkansas Statehood Celebration is free to the public. Call the Old State House Museum at (501) 324-9685 for more information.
About the Old State House Museum
The Old State House Museum is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and shares the goal of all seven Department of Arkansas Heritage agencies, that of preserving and enhancing the heritage of the state of Arkansas. The agencies are Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Historic Arkansas Museum, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and the Old State House Museum.
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