It is my season! I am not ashamed to say it loudly and proudly. I am all things fall.

I am not certain if it has to do with my birthday being in this season or something about the intentional and obvious changes that happen from summer to fall. Things feel crisp and new and finally the dog days of southern heat give us a much-needed break. The bright and sunny colors fade to the deep dark browns and burgundies that cover the beautiful landscape of Arkansas. It may take a while for the shades of autumn to peak through, especially depending on the roads a person might travel in the state, but eventually it happens: the change that I wait for all year long.

We are in a constant state of change here at the museum. My leadership as director of the museum reminds me every day that for things to keep moving forward change must happen. We have developed a new interpretive plan that includes remodeled exhibition spaces and a campaign to help fund it. We are expanding new ways of celebrating old traditions like Juneteenth and our holiday events at the museum. We are also finding fun and unique ways to engage as we recognize that COVID has forever changed how we visit and interact with each other.

In this season, I am learning to recognize and embrace change not as unfamiliar and unsettling but as a necessary part of growth and expansion. In the same way a tree grows, we hope, with your help, to put down deep roots amid this season of change. That means having big wins and also some failures as we try new ventures. Keep watching, friends. Change is all around us here! It is exciting and we are grateful for your continued support.

I ask that you send positive thoughts and vibes as we also remember our friend, Mr. MTCC himself, Kenneth Brown, our historic site manager, whom we lost suddenly this past spring. His birthday is this month, and we are feeling extra grateful for the time and passion he gave to the state and MTCC.  

Until Next Time. Stay Keyed IN!
Quantia “Key” M. Fletcher
Director, MTCC