May 5th, 2012 - February 1st, 2013
Battle Colors of Arkansas
Museum Hours
Little Rock

The Old State House Museum hosts its second exhibit to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War on May 4, 2012 to February 1, 2013. Battle Colors of Arkansas will show visitors the varied roles Arkansans served in the American Civil War.

The Old State House Museum maintains a large collection of Arkansas-related Civil War artifacts, Blue and Gray. The most prominent of these is the museum’s collection of Civil War battle flags, which will be the focus of Battle Colors of Arkansas.

Flags are powerful symbols, ones that unite and give meaning to those who would fight under their banner. Many rare and unique flags are on display. Five flags bear the First National Confederate pattern, the first battle flag pattern to fly over the heads of Arkansas soldiers. Battle Colors of Arkansas also features Hardee pattern flags, which were carried by General Patrick Cleburne’s division. With its pale full moon on a field of blue, the Hardee pattern is perhaps the most iconic battle flag pattern of the Western Confederacy.

Two newly acquired flags will be shown to the public for the first time in Battle Colors of Arkansas, a result of conservation efforts supported by A Save America’s Treasure's Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and private donations. One flag is linked to an Arkansas regiment that participated in every major battle west of the Mississippi River in which the Army of Tennessee was involved. The other represents an Arkansas artillery unit that fought at Pea Ridge and was captured at the battle of Arkansas Post.

All of the flags in the Old State House Museum’s collection are representative of the bravery of the men that bore them in the heat of battle. Some of these banners were captured by Union troops after Arkansas soldiers gave their lives to protect their flags. A flag of war is always much more than the cloth from which it was made.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture - A Look Back at Arkansas Politics a Century Ago
Noon - 1 p.m.
Little Rock

Brian Irby will focus on the 1912 gubernatorial race that pitted political veteran Governor George W. Donaghey against upstart Congressman Joseph T. Robinson in the Democratic primary to explore the major issues and personalities that dominated Arkansas politics a hundred years ago. The talk will also highlight the nature of campaigning in a time before radio.

Irby is on staff as a library tech at the Arkansas History Commission. He received his BA and MA in history at the University of Central Arkansas.

Admission to Brown Bag Lunch Lectures is free. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch; beverages are provided.

Friday, June 8, 2012
2nd Friday Art Night
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Little Rock

The Old State House Museum is one of several downtown locations that hosts this evening of entertainment and exhibits. While here, shop the Museum Store and enjoy refreshments. Visitors may ride the trolley to visit other participating venues. Admission is free.

Saturday, June 16, 2012
Arkansas Statehood Commemoration: The 1836 Presidential Campaign
HAM: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; OSH: 12:30-5 p.m.
Little Rock

The Historic Arkansas Museum and the Old State House Museum will provide a glimpse of what life was like in the state during the momentous events surrounding the 1836 presidential election—Arkansas’s first. Visitors will have a chance to experience the politics, entertainment and commerce of the period through hands on programs given by costumed living historians. At noon, participants will parade from the Historic Arkansas Museum to the Old State House Museum, waving flags and banners for their candidates of choice. Visitors will then get to cast their votes. Free admission.

Registration Deadline: June 18, 2012
Growing Up in Arkansas: Summer Fun 2012 Youth Enrichment Program
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Daily
Little Rock

Kids in grades 5 through 10 (rising) may explore life between 1890-1980 from a child’s perspective. Program Dates: July 9 - 13, 2012. Cost: $75/child. For more information call (501) 324-8643 or email Daniel@ArkansasHeritage.org.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Little Beginnings Toddler Program
10:30 a.m.
Little Rock

The Little Beginnings Toddler Program is for children ages 2 through 4 with parent. Each month the class will highlight a different topic and promote learning through hands-on activities, music making, movement and storytelling. Admission is free. No day care or school groups please. Call (501) 324-9685 for more information.

2012 SCHEDULE: June 20: Box Turtles (Jane Jones-Schulz); July 20: Flags; August 17: Transportation; September 21: Trees; October 19: Halloween; November 16: Thanksgiving; December 21: Winter Holidays around the World