Plan for Arkansas Heritage Month
Arkansas enjoys a vast wealth of natural and cultural resources. Its physical beauty, musical influence, folk arts, fine arts, social and political history all make for a colorful and unique heritage worth celebrating. That’s why the Department of Arkansas Heritage sets aside the month of May each year as a time for Arkansans to recognize and appreciate their cultural and natural heritage. It started this tradition in 1982 and it has become bigger and more meaningful each year as an opportunity to highlight a particular aspect of our state’s history or defining features.
The theme for 2012 is "Dream & Determination: Arkansans at Work."
Themes for Future Heritage Months:
2013 – Historic Neighborhoods (AHPP)
2014 – Arkansas Foodways (HAM)
2015 – Performing Arts (AAC)
2016 – Old State House Museum
2017 – Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
2018 – Delta Cultural Center
There are many ways to participate in
Arkansas Heritage Month. A Heritage Month event might be a nature walk, research project, pictorial display, museum exhibit, festival or concert. To make it easier for more communities and organizations to showcase their heritage,
grants are available to help them develop meaningful events and programs for Heritage Months in their area. We also invite all communities and organizations planning Heritage Month events to list them in our annual Heritage Month Registry.
The Department of Arkansas Heritage helps promote all Heritage Month events on the web site, in the Storyline newsletter and in Heritage Month marketing efforts.
On that note, we extend an open invitation to all Arkansans to visit and participate in
Heritage Month Events planned in your area during the month of May.