Powhatan Historic State Park to Host Memorial Day
Programming and Watercolor Workshop
(POWHATAN, Ark.) – Powhatan Historic State Park will host Memorial Day weekend activities starting
Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25. The programming is as follows:
Friday, May 22:
1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Paper Marbling and Journal Making
Make your own journal that is decorated with marble paper to record all your state park memories.
Record the plants and birds you uncover or the history you learn. This make-and-take program is
perfect for children, adults and families.
Saturday, May 23:
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Let’s go to Jail!
This open program of the 1873 Powhatan Jail connects visitors to the dark environs of 19 th century
justice. Step into a prisoner cell and learn about this building’s unique history of crime and
punishment. Bring the family or come alone any time during the morning to enjoy the program.
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lawn Bowling/Historic Card Games.
These programs offer two unique ways to spend your time camping. Drop in for either any time to
learn fun card games for the whole family or learn how to play lawn bowling. Either game will be
great to take on your next state park camping adventure.
8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spooky Night Tour.
Join a park interpreter on a night tour of the 1888 Courthouse, 1873 Jail House and 1840s Log Cabin.
Hear haunting tales of the buildings’ long histories. Take back tales to tell around your next state park
campfire.
Sunday, May 24:
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Drop in for Drop Biscuits
If you’re tired of cooking breakfast while camping, come join park staff to learn a quick and easy
method for making drop biscuits in a Dutch oven. Sneak away and learn a new skill to impress your
family or bring them along.
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mussel Madness and the Pearling Industry at Powhatan
The first freshwater pearl found in Black River kicked off a pearling craze that affected almost every
river system in Arkansas. Come learn about pearling’s winding history and its impact on our
waterways. Perfect for families and kids will enjoy a unique game that simulates the pearling rush in
Black River.
8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spooky Night Tour.
Join a park interpreter on a night tour of the 1888 Courthouse, 1873 Jail House and 1880s School
House. Hear haunting tales of the buildings’ long histories. Take back tales to tell around your next
state park campfire.
Monday, May 25:
9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Hello, Telephone!
Before the internet, the landline telephone connected Americans together. The first telephone
company opened in Powhatan in 1879. Come enjoy a hands-on program that teaches how telephones
work. Perfect for kids, adults and families.
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn Your Mending
After a long weekend enjoying state parks’ natural resources, you may need to learn a little mending
before heading home. Join park staff to learn simple mending techniques to help save your favorite
shirt or your favorite sock to make more memories at your next state park.
All of these programs are free to the public. No registration required.
Powhatan Historic State Park will also host a Watercolor Painting and Paper Marbling Workshop on
Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of watercolor painting and
paper marbling using a variety of methods and materials from nature. Discover a new way capture
your favorite state park landscape through watercolor. The registration fee covers the cost of
materials. Please wear work clothes that are able to get dirty. Space is limited and reservations are
required. There is a $15 registration fee.
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Powhatan Historic State Park
Powhatan Historic State Park exists to preserve and interpret the cultural landscape and heritage of
Powhatan’s civic, social, economic, religious and community legacy. The park welcomes visitors to
tour its historic structures, museum and landscape Wednesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/powhatan-historic-
state-park or call 870-878-6765.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat,
outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923,
Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and
education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in
resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit
ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural,
cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of
three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.