The Department of Arkansas Heritage identifies, preserves and presents the state’s natural, cultural, artistic and historic resources. It comprises seven independent agencies, plus a Director’s Office, which functions as the umbrella organization for the other agencies. The Director’s Office promotes the educational programs of all agencies. It also designs presentations and materials based on celebrations for the department and state. This agency will assist the public in designing learning experiences that incorporate more than one Department of Arkansas Heritage Agency.

The Arkansas Arts Council is dedicated to preserving and fostering Arkansas arts. The agency offers funding opportunities through a number of grants programs benefiting individual artists as well as organizations promoting the arts in their communities. It also maintains an online data base and artist registry of contemporary artists across the state.

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program creates presentations, brochures, driving maps, walking tours and other educational materials that educate the public about historic places in the state. It collects extensive information from sites ranging from Civil War battlefields to notable properties in your neighborhood, which it presents on its online data base.

The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission preserves natural diversity by managing 62 natural areas and participating in statewide efforts to protect endangered animals and plants. It maintains an online data base, including maps and virtual tours, of flora and fauna of the state. Educational presentations and materials instruct students on the state’s original appearance and allow in-depth study of natural habitats.

The Delta Cultural Center develops educational programming that describes the history of the region and the people, events and activities that shaped the Delta from the beginning of time to current day.

The Historic Arkansas Museum preserves and displays the early history of Arkansas and its creative legacy. “Arkansas Made” arts and crafts represent the focus of the museum exhibits and many of its educational materials. Guided tours and educational programming take place in the historic structures and include hands-on learning experiences of heritage crafts and activities as the state’s early settlers performed them on this city block in the early 1800’s.

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center interprets Arkansas’s African American history, culture and community from 1870 to the present. The museum educates the public through presentations and materials about black achievements —especially in business, politics and the arts.

The Old State House presents Arkansas’s history and heritage from statehood onward. The museum’s educational products and services highlight Arkansas’s past and present political history, the history of the Old State House, and the changing role of women in the state. It provides excellent resource materials on military conflicts, the legislative process, the state’s musical traditions and social developments of the late 19th century.