Arkansas History & Heritage

Arkansas is as unique and varied as the people who call it home. Our history and heritage is woven throughout the state in the rich colors, patterns and textures found in our arts, our architecture, our museums and even our landscape. This colorful assortment is all a part of the Division of Arkansas Heritage. Each of our museums and agencies work to further our mission.

The ever-popular Old State House is an Arkansas icon. Historic Arkansas Museum is the best place to learn about early Arkansas. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center tells the story of the Mosaic Templars of America, an African American fraternal organization founded in 1882. In Helena, the Delta Cultural Center honors the art, music and lifestyle of the Arkansas Delta. Creativity, expressed through art, music and dance is celebrated by the Arkansas Arts Council. The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program helps preserve and protect Arkansas’s historic homes, neighborhoods, courthouses, battlefields, archeological sites and historic downtowns—all visible reminders of our shared cultural heritage. The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission protects our state’s biological diversity.

The Arkansas Delta, the Ozark Mountains and all the areas in between make up our heritage. These varied patterns of indelible richness are preserved to pass on to successive generations. The stories of who we were and how we lived ground us firmly in the past and guide us confidently into the future. Please explore our website and learn something new about your Arkansas history and heritage.