This year’s theme for Arkansas Heritage Month is “A State of War: Arkansas Remembers World War I.” The month will center around the centennial remembrance of World War I and its effects on Arkansas. Activities and programs are planned across the state.
Governor 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 of the war. Through 2018, the committee is encouraging organizations to develop and participate in activities that will expand the understanding of World War I.
Below is a sampling of Heritage Month activities here in Little Rock. For more events, check out the Arkansas Heritage website.
- Arkansas Artifact Fair: Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Old State House Museum in Little Rock. Individuals are invited to bring WWI items for identification by professionals who will record and catalogue the artifacts.
- Arkansas’s Most Endangered Places Bike Ride: Thursday, May 18, 6 p.m., meet at Bobby’s Bike Hike in Little Rock’s River Market. This bike ride will provide a tour of Little Rock’s historic places, a special edition T-shirt from Rock City Outfitters and a pint of Stone’s Throw brew.
- When Dey Listed Colored Soldiers: World War I, A War to End All Wars: Monday, May 29 at 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Central High National Park Site Visitors Center in Little Rock. This event 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.