Historic Arkansas Museum is excited to bring the 49th Territorial Fair back in person on the historic grounds Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Through hands-on activities, living history performances and live demonstrations you can experience what life was like during Arkansas’s early days.
“Our Arkansas Heritage museums are always looking for ways to engage both the local audience as well as guests to our state,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “It has been exciting to see the return of in-person programming like the Historic Arkansas Museum Territorial Fair.”
Jimmy Bryant, director of Arkansas Heritage said, “Historic Arkansas Museum does an excellent job of bringing the past to life. It you have not had a chance to see the team and volunteers engage with the public as characters from the past, we know you’ll enjoy stepping back in time with them.”
“It really is a fun way to experience our state’s territorial history and it’s a wonderful chance to see everything the museum has to offer,” said Stephanie Haught Wade, museum director. “From the galleries to the grounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
This year, we will celebrate nature and all things May Flowers. Make a flower themed craft to take home with you and learn about the importance of bees with Lauren Anderson with Calm+Confidence Beekeeping. You can also learn about other pollinators like insects and birds with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Enjoy pioneer games and learn how to walk on stilts on the lawn or have your picture made in the Pleasure Wagon at the carriage house.
Watch as our museum interpreters use a spinning wheel at the Brownlee House or learn how to prepare a home-cooked meal in an early 1800s kitchen. Or pull a print of the printing press in the Woodruff Print Shop.
Across the street on the farmstead we’ll have the fires lit in the blacksmithing shop where you can learn how tools were made, and learn how to make natural dyes and soap balls.
Stop by any time for free fun Saturday, May 21 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.