What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1021166
and artifacts. Without this investment in our community, much of this information would have been lost. "Things aren't over just because they're past" — and thanks to the efforts of the people at Shiloh, the records of our past are well-organized and accessible, so our understanding of how these events affect present-day life and shape our future has been made much easier. Abby Burnett Author & historian I've learned so much about Arkansas history through Shiloh Museum's monthly Sandwiched In lecture series, which I've attended for years. I've heard speakers talk about everything from documenting pre-Civil War woven coverlets to Madison County murders to former staffers of the long-defunct Dogpatch sharing their memories of the theme park. Not only has Shiloh gathered fascinating speakers from the community, but the staff also presents informative talks: Carolyn Reno on the conservation of antique fabrics, Marie Demeroukas on dating antique photos based on early hair and clothing styles, and Susan Young on her efforts to track down the statue that once graced the entrance to the Apollo Theater, on Emma Avenue, in Springdale — to name just a few subjects! Not only are there wonderful speakers, but Shiloh generously hosts book-signings (including one for my own book!), giving authors a chance to talk about their research and the work that went into their publications. I've loved getting to hear such speakers and buy their books. Though I've enjoyed these events, and the annual January Cabin Fever Reliever where local residents show off their very unusual collections, when I think of Shiloh I think of photographs. Maybe that's because I've spent time in the photo archive office, getting Marie Demeroukas' opinion on a photo or, more likely, looking for photos to accompany something I'm writing. Shiloh has been so gracious and generous to me when I've needed photos to illustrate talks or my book — I'm especially indebted to them for permission to use a long-cherished photo on my book's cover. Recently I've traveled around Arkansas, gathering material for a new book, and have found that the subjects I'm researching tend to mystify librarians and museum staff. That's another thing that's so wonderful about Shiloh Museum, because when I go there, the staff will discuss these projects with me and offer guidance. Maybe they have to work to stay straight-faced, but Allyn Lord, Susan, Caroline and Marie have been unfailingly kind and helpful! Chuck Peterson LifeWriters leader I have been attending the Shiloh Museum since I moved here in 1998. It is a special place for me. I love the grounds, the museum, the friendly staff, and the programming. I attend the "LifeWriting" memoir and the Civil War Roundtable meetings each month in the "Old General Store." The General Store is a free great place for small community meetings that support our community's history, nature, education and the collection of local stories and written histories. Most months I attend the third Wednesday [Sandwiched In] gathering and learn something of local history or nature including live birds of prey and exploring local caves among other things. I watched the Marshallese build a real island canoe with their ancient village building skills. I have seen some of the children's educational school, summer, and Saturday morning programs including even the opportunity to really milk a wooden cow. I even learned to hand make an old broom. I enjoy watching the farm garden grow each year. I explored the old farm outhouse and have watched the kids' reaction to that bit of our past without the tell-tale aroma, spiders, and snakes I remember so well. I have watched folk music programs in front of the old barn on many a summer eve. I support the museum as a contributing member. It is a great place to visit, well worth your time to explore, learn. Laura Redford Coverlet book author The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is well known among history buffs and researchers of Ozark history and to school children who regularly attend field trips to the campus to learn about different times in our history. It is a gem tucked away in our Northwest Arkansas hills and well worth a visit, especially for newcomers to the area to learn about their new home. When Martha Benson and I were researching the stories behind the handwoven coverlets in their collection, we could not have asked for more help, cooperation and encouragement than we received from all members of the staff. Happy birthday, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History! SEPTEMBER 2-8, 2018 WHAT'S UP! 41 Burnett Redford