ASU-Delta Studies Center received a $10,000 check
Peggy R. Wright of the ASU-Delta Studies Center received a $10,000 check from State Representative Travis Boyd and Burr Swann with the East Arkansas Resource Development Council, Inc. on Monday, September 27, 2004.
The monies will be used to continue in the development of additional public information and outreach strategies, plans and materials for the Agriculture and Community in Transition, 1920 to 1980 Oral History Project. This project is in association with the Preservation of Oral History in the Lower Mississippi River Delta in Eastern Arkansas.
Funding for the project was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, under the auspices of the East Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Council.
Wright speaks at Council's Annual Meeting
ASU-Delta Studies Center's Peggy R. Wright spoke at the East Arkansas Resource Conservation & Development Council's annual meeting held at the Jonesboro Holiday Inn on August 25, 2004.
Wright spoke during the portion of the program dedicated to outreach projects. She shared with the participants the accomplishments of the Oral History Project which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, under the auspices of the East Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Council.
This project documented the Arkansas Delta Agricultural Transitions during the period of 1920-1980 through the use of Oral Histories. The project has been very successful in completing 141 interviews in 18 Arkansas Delta Counties.
ASU-DSC Oral History and Cultural Heritage Tourism Project
ASU-DSC Oral History and Cultural Heritage Tourism Project is an expansion/continuation of ASU-DSC's oral history activities. The project will focus on the history, heritage, and culture of small communities, significant historical sites, personages, and events.
Recent National Park Service and Department of Transportation reports have firmly established the "potential" for cultural heritage tourism as a viable economic development approach in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region. Many low-income and minority communities have not possessed the staff capacity and expertise to document and preserve sites and stories of cultural heritage significance. It is our hope to utilize trained Delta Service Corps members to help these communities save their heritage by conducting oral history interviews as well as establishing potential heritage sites within these poverty stricken areas.
The priority of this project will focus on the human needs aspect of heritage. Project successfulness will result in employment, small-business development, and income generation opportunities for local communities and residents in the field of cultural heritage tourism.
The ASU Delta Studies Center's Oral History photographic traveling exhibit "Arkansas Delta Agricultural and Community in Transition, 1920-1980: An Oral History," is now on permanent display at the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Little Rock, Arkansas. The exhibit is displayed on the 5th floor of the Federal Building located at 700 West Capital and can be visited from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday.
Arkansas Delta, Agriculture and Community in Transition 1920-1980:
An Oral History Traveling Exhibit. This traveling photographic exhibit captures the heart of the Delta Region, through the voices of its people. The exhibit and accompanying catalogue, highlights quotes and photographs of 31 individuals who were interviewed as a part of this project. The traveling exhibit addresses their words the "economic, political, social, and historic changes" that they witnessed over the 60 year period of study. This exhibit's replica is available for booking by community and civic groups.
Bookings may be arranged by contacting the Delta Studies Center at (870) 972-2325 or (toll free) at (877) 731-3020.
