Secretary of State Historical Report

I know, not the most interesting title for a blog post, but hear me out. This report is one of the more interesting state government and state history resources we have available here at the library. Complied by the State Capitol Historian, this book has short essays about the history of Arkansas, information about various state officials (as of 2008, the last time it was revised), and complete rosters of all the legislatures going back to the first Territorial General Assembly in 1819. The report also has the historical roster for the Arkansas Courts, and rosters of all the various county officials for all of the counties. But wait, there is more! There are also Arkansas vote tallies for the presidential elections going back to 1836, as well as gubernatorial and U.S. legislative elections.

And the best part? The report is available, for free download or order, to everyone. While we would love to have you come use the report here at the library, we realize that is not always possible. So, if your interest has been peaked, visit the Secretary of State's web page, and start browsing the Historical Report!

Arkansas History Hub

There is a new resource for Arkansas state history teachers: the Arkansas History Hub. Its mission, as taken from the website is "to improve the quality of Arkansas history education across the state by providing comprehensive access to online resources, as well as facilitating the open exchange of ideas and materials between teachers, institutions and history professionals."

There are lesson plans for all ages and grade levels, a database of potential Arkansas history field-trips, and listings for professional development opportunities. You can also sign up to become a member and contribute links and plans.

Here at the Arkansas State Library, we also a range of Arkansas history-related materials, including our Arkansas Collection and Arkansas government documents.

Arkansas Heritage Month

I am a little late bringing you this announcement, but May is Arkansas Heritage Month. The theme this year is "Conflict and Consequence: Commemorating the Civil War." From the Heritage Month 2011 website:

Today, as our nation again encounters painful strife in our country, we experience fierce and often hostile debates over cultural issues -- fortunately without the rush to arms. What better way to revisit the lessons from the Civil War to learn how to deal with our internal differences? How was your community or area affected by the Civil War? Did battles or skirmishes take place near your hometown? How did the locals live and survive during that time? What was it like for those left at home while fathers, brothers and sons went off to war? Do any Civil War-era structures remain in your community? Think of ways to commemorate this time in our history by planning a Heritage Month event to take place in May 2011.
 

 For a list of events around the state commemorating the Civil War and Heritage Month, go to the Heritage Month 2011 website.