WWI remembered during Arkansas Heritage Month in May

World War I in Arkansas is the focus for Arkansas Heritage Month in May.

Arkansas Heritage Month is designated annually by the governor and promoted by The Department of Arkansas Heritage, according to a DAH press release.

This year’s theme, “A State of War: Arkansas Remembers World War I,” centers on the centennial remembrance of WWI and its effects on Arkansas, including the more than 71,000 Arkansans who served, according to the press release.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson created the Arkansas World War I Centennial Commemoration Committee by executive order on March 31, 2016, and appointed members to lead the state’s remembrance on the 100th anniversary this year.

Events planned throughout the state in May include: (A full list is available at Arkansasheritage.com)

• “Voices of the Great War” at Ouachita Baptist University’s Riley-Hickingbotham Library, features items from the library’s archives and special collections including documents, photographs and other materials which offer insight into the lives of those affected by WWI. The presentation will be available throughout the month of May at 410 Ouachita St. in Arkadelphia.
• “Our Railroad Men in World War I” will be available throughout May at the Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff. It is an exhibit about the importance of the railroads in shipping military as well as civilian goods and the service of railroad employees in the war effort.
• “World War I in Jefferson County” will be available throughout May at the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Historical Museum. A “Last Man Club” exhibit features items from local individuals who served in WWI.
• “A State of War: Special World War I Tour” will be available throughout May at Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville. The tour rotates participants through stations located throughout the museum. Stations include: aviation, food, mining, 1918 flu epidemic and inventions.
• Historic Jazz and Ragtime Concert – May 2 at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs. Chuck Dodson and his trio present a one-hour concert of jazz and blues, stride and barrel piano playing, ragtime and commentary reminiscent of WWI era music.
• Hot Springs WWI-Era Architectural Tour – a downtown walking tour led by local historic preservationist, architect and hotel owner Anthony Taylor. The tour is May 2 at 5:30 p.m., beginning at the Mountain Valley Water Building on Central Avenue.
• Mt. Judea Heritage Day Festival – May 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Mt. Judea. It highlights the effects of WWI and the 1918 flu epidemic on the area.
• Arkansas Artifact Fair is May 7, 2-5 p.m. at the Old State House Museum in Little Rock. Individuals may bring WWI items for identification by professionals who will record and catalogue the artifacts.
• “Fur & Feathers: Animal Heroes of WWI” opening reception – May 11, 4-6 p.m. at the Vada Sheid Gallery at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home. It will feature art, vintage photos, posters and stories of the animals that worked alongside soldiers during the war.
• Arkansas’ Most Endangered Places Bike Ride – May 18 at 6 p.m. Starting at Bobby’s Bike Hike in Little Rock’s River Market, it’s a tour of Little Rock’s historic places. Attendees get a special edition T-shirt from Rock City Outfitters and a pint of Stone’s Throw brew.
• Perry County Heritage, Heirloom and Arts Festival – May 20, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Perryville. It will feature a WWI exhibit and local craftsmen who will demonstrate blacksmithing, quilting and handmade items around the courthouse square.
• World War I Experiences of Stone Countians – May 28 at 2 p.m. in the Edwin Luther Auditorium at the Stone County Museum Complex in Mountain View. A concert by Harmony, a trio composed of Robert and Mary Gillihan and Dave Smith. The group will perform original songs written by Charley Sandage about Stone County veterans’ experiences in WWI.
• “When Dey Listed Colored Soldiers: World War I, A War to End All Wars” – May 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central High National Park Site Visitors Center in Little Rock. It is an historical overview of the African American presence in WWI, presented by the Milton Pitts Crenchaw Aviation Training Academy in partnership with the National Park Service and Helping Engage Arts.

For more information about The Department of Arkansas Heritage, visit ArkansasHeritage.com. To learn more about the impact of the WWI in Arkansas, visit WWIArkansas.com.