Lakeport Plantation Museum to Host Reading Retreat in April
JONESBORO — This spring the Lakeport Plantation Museum, an Arkansas State University Heritage Site, will host a reading retreat focusing on the Mississippi River on Saturday, April 5.
The retreat will focus on two books. The first, “Wicked River: The Mississippi When it Last Ran Wild,” written by Lee Sandlin, was published in 2010. This book describes the landscape and tribulations of the Mississippi River from the early 1800s through the siege of Vicksburg in 1863 when the Mississippi River Valley was the western edge of the United States.
The second book, “The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi,” by Boyce Upholt, was published in 2024. This book traces the history of the Mississippi, from its geographical formation, to its use by indigenous peoples, to levee building in the modern era.
The retreat is $45 for museum members and $50 for non-members. Registration includes the books and light refreshments to be served the day of the event.
Upon registration, participants will receive copies of both books to read at their convenience. Participants will gather at Lakeport Plantation for an afternoon discussion from 1 until 4 p.m.
Lakeport Plantation, constructed in 1859, is one of the premier historic structures in the state and retains many of its original finishes and architectural details. At this heritage site, visitors can learn about the people and cultures that shaped plantation life in the Mississippi Delta, focusing on the antebellum, Civil War and reconstruction periods.
Arkansas Heritage Sites are historic properties of regional and national significance in the Arkansas Delta.
Lakeport Plantation is located at 601 Highway 142 in Lake Village. Hours are 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For additional information about visiting Lakeport Plantation or regarding the reading retreat, one may contact Ruth O'Loughlin, heritage site director, at 870-265-6031 or roloughlin@AState.edu.
Lakeport Plantation Museum will host a reading retreat in April featuring two books about life and times on the Mississippi River.
