The Arkansas Museums Association (AMA) recently announced three awards for Arkansas State Parks.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Collections Care Conservation for updating its collections storage facility to better care for museum artifacts. Historic Washington State Park received awards in two categories: Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Exhibitions for the “Saying Goodbye: Funeral Traditions of the 19th Century” exhibit and Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Education for the “Saying Goodbye to Jenny” living history program.
Prairie Grove’s collection management facility was updated in 2022 to better care for the artifacts that help interpret the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove. This project helps ensure the artifacts are preserved for future generations.
Visitors to Historic Washington can view the “Saying Goodbye” exhibit located in the Courthouse Visitor Center through Labor Day weekend. The exhibit explores local 19th-century funeral traditions in Washington and surrounding areas. Artifacts related to funeral traditions, such as a hair wreath and mourning cards, are available for visitors to view. The exhibit also includes the clock that was stopped at the death of Arkansas Gov. Daniel W. Jones, who was from Washington.
The Arkansas Museums Association (AMA) was founded in 1966 as an organization of museums and museum personnel dedicated to the promotion of professional standards in Arkansas museums, the encouragement of interaction between members and the development of public support for and interest in Arkansas museums. Each year, AMA presents awards to celebrate and encourage excellence within Arkansas museums. Arkansas State Parks is an institutional member of the AMA.
Historic Washington State Park
Historic Washington State Park, located in Washington, Arkansas, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Mondays. The park is a restoration village interpreting the historic Arkansas town in the 19th century. Daily tours are provided to over 15 historic sites and museums, such as the B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum and Blacksmith Shop. To learn more, visit HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com or call 870-983-2684.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields. The park protects and manages the battlefield to interpret an inclusive understanding of the Prairie Grove campaign and the effects of the Civil War on the people of Northwest Arkansas. Interpretive programs about the Civil War and life in the 1860s are offered year-round.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Mike Mills serves as the cabinet secretary for the department.
