      
|
 |
|
 |
Experience Life in Arkansas in the 19th CenturyHistoric Washington State Park offers a unique opportunity to experience life in Arkansas in the 19th Century. From Civil War Sites to Dutch Oven Cooking Workshops, there's much to see and do at Historic Washington State Park.
Summertime at Historic Washington
Washington offers an array of tours and attractions during the summer. Special theme programs, workshops, and other activities will be featured during this season. For more information call (870) 983-2684.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
History Alive! Day Camp
Youth entering grades 4-6 have a unique chance to experience 19th-century life, up close and personal. Campers will be immersed in different sections of town life in the 1800s through hands-on activities and demonstrations. This is a chance to make memories for a lifetime. Space is limited to 12 children per session. Reservations required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Red River Heritage Symposium
Have you ever thought about the rich history in your region? Today, hear four guest lecturers speak on the historical treasures of the Red River Region. An evening meal is included in the conference fee. Pre-registration is required by July 23.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
History Alive! Day Camp
Youth entering grades 4-6 have a unique chance to experience 19th-century life, up close and personal. Campers will be immersed in different sections of town life in the 1800s through hands-on activities and demonstrations. This is a chance to make memories for a lifetime. Space is limited to 12 children per session. Reservations required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
History Alive! Day Camp
Youth entering grades 4-6 have a unique chance to experience 19th-century life, up close and personal. Campers will be immersed in different sections of town life in the 1800s through hands-on activities and demonstrations. This is a chance to make memories for a lifetime. Space is limited to 12 children per session. Reservations required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Exhibit: Celebrating Our Historical Jubilee
In 2008, Arkansas State Parks celebrates our 75th birthday and the town of Historic Washington marks 35 years as a state park. Join us for a look back upon our heritage within the town of Washington and Arkansas State Parks. The exhibit will also observe the 50th anniversary of the Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation, Historic Washington’s founding organization, as well as the 30th birthday of the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Introduction to Forging Workshop
Join the park blacksmiths at the James Black Forge, home of the Bowie knife, for a hands-on class covering the basic operations of smithing. Participants will make simple art objects as well as more functional objects with the beauty that only hand-forging can give iron and steel! Materials and tools are supplied. Minimum age is 16 (accompanied by an adult) and the class is limited to six. Reservations and deposit required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Basic Dutch Oven Skills Workshop
Have you ever noticed how everything tastes better around a campfire? This half-day workshop includes how to cook and bake using a Dutch oven. Fee includes a 4-quart Dutch oven for you to take home. There is a class limit of 10; reservations are required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Washington Quilt Show
Quilts are a special part of history; many tell stories within their patterns and fabrics. An array of wall hangings and quilts--small and large, new and antique--will be on display. Quilts, fabrics, threads, patterns will be for sale by several vendors. This is a great opportunity to purchase Christmas ornaments, purses, pincushions and other handmade quilted items. Bring your quilting questions and learn how to make a quilt! This event is sponsored by the Southwest Quilters Association.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
"The Frontier Way" Weekend
See woodworking, pioneer cooking, blacksmithing and much more as we reflect on the early 19th century. Demonstrations of the skills early pioneers would have needed and tours of the early town development will be highlighted. Many reenactors will be encamped as a special addition to this weekend. This is a great event for families to enjoy time outdoors together, connect with Arkansas history, and make memories in an Arkansas State Park.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
"Celebrating Our Historical Jubilee" Weekend
Make memories with Historic Washington State Park as we celebrates our 35th birthday, Pioneer Washington Foundation celebrates 50 years, and Arkansas State Parks celebrates its 75th birthday. Exceptional weekend activities emphasize the heritage of the town of Washington and Arkansas State Parks. This host of happenings includes the Historical Jubilee Exhibit, the Washington Quilt Show, the Frontier Way, and a Historic Dance Workshop.
Contact:
870-983-2684
Historic Dance Workshop
Did you know there was once a specific dance to pick your next dance partner? Learn this and other common dances of the mid-19th century. Learn favorites such as the Virginia Reel, Patti-Cake Polka, and many more. Dance experience is not required for this evening workshop. Refreshments provided. Limit of 30 participants. Reservations requested.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Basic Dutch Oven Skills Workshop
Have you ever noticed how everything tastes better around a campfire? This half-day workshop includes how to cook and bake using a Dutch oven. Fee includes a 4-quart Dutch oven. There is a class limit of 10; reservations are required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
"Trial by Jury" Dinner
After enjoying an evening meal at Williams' Tavern Restaurant, proceed to the 1836 Courthouse for an interactive living history drama that places you in a position to judge the guilt or innocence of a man accused of murder. The drama is based upon an actual trial that took place in the courthouse in 1844. Dress casual or wear your favorite 19th-century costume. Reservations are required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Dutch Oven Skills 2: "Beyond the Basics" Workshop
Learn advanced recipes and skills for outdoor cooking, and become an expert like the early Arkansans who were here before us. This half-day workshop is for folks who already understand the art of Dutch oven cooking. Our basic skills class is highly recommended as a prerequisite. Class limit is 10. Reservations required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Historic Dance Workshop
Did you know there was once a specific dance to pick your next dance partner? Learn this and other common dances of the mid-19th century. Learn favorites such as the Virginia Reel, Patti-cake Polka, and many more. Dance experience is not required for this evening workshop. Refreshments provided. Limit of 30 participants. Reservations requested.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Harness and Driving Workshop
This course covers the basics of safe harnessing and driving mule teams. If you like hands-on learning opportunities and want to experience the fun of wagon and carriage transportation, this class is for you! The minimum age is 16 (accompanied by an adult) and the class is limited to six.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Washington After Dark
After enjoying fine dining at Williams Tavern, guests will light their candle lanterns and accompany an interpretive guide as he takes them through selected sites in Washington that have some “unexplained” happenings in their history. You can believe or not, but you’ll have a wonderful evening walk in which to ponder the possibilities! Reservations are required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Civil War School Day
Students and teachers, join reenactors and park staff to learn about the military and civilian issues of the War Between the States. Visit the 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse, which served as the Confederate Capitol of Arkansas from 1863 to 1865. Students may learn a 19th Century dance, drill with an infantry sergeant, see a cannon demonstration, and participate in many other activities. Surrey rides will be available, by reservation only, for an additional fee. Space is limited for this special school day event; teachers, contact the park to reserve a spot for your class!
Contact:
(870) 983-2660
Civil War Weekend
The American Civil War was one of the most trying times in our nation’s history. This weekend, you will be exposed to the beginning days of “The Conflict” as it unfolded in southwest Arkansas. Reenactors from all over the region will present living history demonstrations throughout the weekend. Programs are free. Tours of the many historical homes and buildings of Washington, and surrey rides, are available at regular price.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
"Holiday Sweets and Treats" Dutch Oven Workshop
The upcoming holidays present an opportunity for you to show off your outdoor cooking skills. Sugar cookies, gingerbread and other holiday favorites can all be made with ease in a Dutch oven, as they were in earlier times of Arkansas history. This half-day workshop will be devoted to advanced recipes, so beginners are encouraged to take our "basic skills" class beforehand. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
22nd Annual Christmas and Candlelight
Southwest Arkansas's premier Christmas event showcases Historic Washington at its loveliest. The entire park can be seen with natural 19th century decorations. After dark, luminaries light the way for you to stroll the streets and see historic buildings and musicians caroling throughout the town. This event is presented by the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives (S.A.R.A.)Foundation, Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation, the City of Washington, and Historic Washington State Park. For $1 off ticket prices, purchase them in advance by contacting S.A.R.A., (870) 983-2633.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
"Christmas Past" in Washington
Learn how our forebears celebrated the season! See the historic homes and buildings decked out in natural period decorations. Special curriculum-based school programs relating to the Christmas season and preparation for winter will be presented daily during this two-week period. Teachers, contact the park for further details and reservations.
Contact:
(870) 983-2660
22nd Annual Christmas and Candlelight
Southwest Arkansas premier Christmas event showcases Historic Washington at its loveliest. The entire park can be seen with natural 19th century decorations. After dark, luminaries light the way for you to stroll the streets and see historic buildings and musicians caroling throughout the town. This event is presented by the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives (S.A.R.A.)Foundation, Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation, the City of Washington, and Historic Washington State Park. For $1 off ticket prices, purchase them in advance by contacting S.A.R.A., (870) 983-2633.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Valentine's Dinner
Enjoy a romantic evening with someone special at historic Williams’ Tavern Restaurant. A complimentary surrey ride is offered from 6-7 p.m. Dinner and select entertainment begins at 7.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
Frontier Days at the Five Trails Rendezvous
Travel back in time to a festive pioneer atmosphere. Walk through a frontier encampment and learn about survival skills used by early Arkansas settlers. Watch reenactors demonstrate tomahawk throwing, use of muzzleloading rifles, and more! Co-sponsored by the Early Arkansas Reenactor Association.
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
41st Annual Jonquil Festival
This 3-day festival heralds the coming of spring to Southwest Arkansas. Thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers, and visitors to historic Washington. We are 41 years old and still going strong! Unique crafts and delicious foods are available each day. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tours of the historic park homes and buildings are available at regular pricing. Come be part of a tradition!
Contact:
(870) 983-2684
|
