The Lakeport Plantation Museum, located in Lake Village, Arkansas, is set to host its inaugural symposium on the Mississippi River this fall. The event, titled “The Mississippi in American Memory,” will take place on Friday, October 9, and aims to delve into the diverse history of the mighty river.
Exploring the Mississippi’s Legacy
Ruth O’Loughlin, the director of the Lakeport Plantation Museum, expressed enthusiasm for the symposium, noting the wide range of topics it will cover. “Presentations may be on a wide range of topics related to the Mississippi River, from Indigenous peoples to steamboats to the modern era, in recognition of America 250,” O’Loughlin stated. She emphasized the importance of audiovisual elements in the presentations, which should be no longer than 20 minutes each.
The museum, which is operated by A-State as an educational center, has long been interested in hosting an event focused on the Mississippi River. “Many of our visitors ask about the Mississippi and the levee system, so we thought having the opportunity for individuals to put together presentations and for anyone interested in learning about the river to hear on a variety of topics would be a great learning opportunity at Lakeport,” O’Loughlin added.
A Historic Venue
The Lakeport Plantation house itself is a significant historical artifact. Built in 1859 with the profits of enslaved labor, it is the only surviving plantation house in Arkansas that was constructed facing the Mississippi River. The house was placed on the National Historic Register in 1974 and was designated as an official project with the Save America’s Treasures program, part of the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The museum not only highlights the architectural significance of the plantation house but also tells the stories of those who were enslaved there and the sharecropping that followed in the region. This symposium is seen as an extension of the museum’s mission to educate the public about the complex history of the area.
Open to the Public
The symposium is free and open to the public, with presentations being accepted until Tuesday, June 30. Those interested in submitting a proposal can do so through the provided link or by emailing Ruth O’Loughlin directly. The museum encourages anyone with an interest in the history of the Mississippi River and the surrounding region to attend.
For more information, individuals can contact the Lakeport Plantation Museum at 870-265-6031.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
