Arkansas Historic Preservation Program

We can't resist sharing more photos from last weekend's cemetery preservation workshop at Historic Cane Hill. Thank you to everyone who came to learn, clean, and reset historic gravestones! 🪦

We're sad to mention that this workshop was the last one that will be coordinated by our historian Holly Hope, as she plans to ride off into the sunset of retirement in the coming months. Holly has coordinated 50-60 (or more?) of these workshops over the years and has taught countless people about the best methods of gravestone care. Thank you, Holly, for the good work you've done equipping people to protect Arkansas' historic cemeteries! 🧡

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is excited to team up with the Arkansas Department of Education to release a brand‑new Arkansas250 coloring book: “Happy 250th, America!”

Designed for students in grades K–4, this special semiquincentennial edition introduces young learners to nationally significant historic places right here in Arkansas—Arkansas Post, the Louisiana Purchase Survey Initial Point, Crater of Diamonds State Park, the Buffalo National River, and more.

Diana the Butterfly returns as our trusty guide, and this time she’s joined by Semi and Quinn, ADE’s Labrador retriever mascots from the “Journey Across Arkansas” curriculum, to help kids explore the state’s history in a fun, colorful way.

📬 Want a printed copy?
Request one from the AHPP office at [email protected] or 501-324-9150.

🎨 Prefer to download it?
Click here to get your copy! https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-preservation/programs/youth-education/teaching-materials

AHPP staff were proud to share about our work at the Preserving the Natural State event at Hot Springs National Park this past weekend. Jessica Cogburn and Megan Willmes greeted visitors with warm smiles on a chilly day, handed out maps and brochures, and did creative activities with kids.

During this year of America's 250th birthday, Hot Springs is marking 194 years (as of this week!) of being the oldest federally protected natural resource. To celebrate, they brought together agencies and organizations involved in protecting Arkansas' landscapes and stories to meet people and let them see what we do. AHPP was one of at least 15 organizations represented at this event that reached nearly 700 people from Arkansas and beyond.