The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources has announced the schedule for the 18th annual Natural State Chautauqua to be held June 7-9.
This year’s theme is “Enter the Yanks: America in World War I” and will feature three interesting characters from Arkansas’s past: Pvt. Henry Johnson, Edith Wharton and Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing.
A program of the Arkansas of Museum of Natural Resources, the Natural State Chautauqua is in its 18th year and is a first-person interpretation of American history by those who shaped the nation. Scholars are chosen from across the county to spend three days in south Arkansas to present their characters and hold additional workshops. They present the character, then take questions as the character and finally step out of character to answer questions as the scholar behind the historic figure.
In addition to the evening performance under the tent in character, the scholars present children’s and adult workshops and speak to civic clubs in the community. Because of the following sponsors, all events are free: Murphy USA, AMNR Foundation, Arkansas State Parks, Smackover State Bank and South Arkansas Oil.
All three scholars and the characters they portray are different, yet linked by one common thread – the Great War.
Amelia Wagner will present novelist Edith Wharton.
Doug Mishler will portray Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing, a senior military officer who lead the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front.
Pvt. Henry Johnson was a common soldier who did extraordinary things, and he will come to life in the guise of Keith Henley.
“This lineup is going to be wonderful,” said Pam Beasley, museum superintendent. “Each of these characters played a very important part in the history of America during the war years, and through the Natural State Chautauqua, audiences will learn exactly how.”
Wagner of Denver, Colorado, will makes her first appearance on the Natural State Chautauqua stage as Edith Wharton. Wagner began doing chautauqua performances in 2003 as a student and since 2013 she has presented 15 characters on the chautauqua stage. Wagner will bring Edith Wharton to life at 7 p.m. June 7.
Mishler is a historian, University of Nevada professor, actor and director from Reno, Nevada. Since 1993, Mishler has been nationally recognized for bringing “history to life.” He has made over 800 first person presentations of over 20 historical figures. Mishler will present Pershing at 7 p.m. June 8.
Henley from New Jersey will land on the Natural State Chautauqua stage for the first time at 7 p.m. June 9. Henley began his historical-interpretation career with Historic Philadelphia Inc. and has since worked for American Historical Theatre, Smithsonian Associates Teaching American History program and the Academy of Natural Sciences. In addition to Henry Johnson, Henley has eight chautauqua characters in his repertoire including Martin Luther King, Jr.
In addition to the evening performances, three additional programs will be held in the museum auditorium at 10 a.m. each day.
On June 7, Henley will present a children’s program, and on June 8 Wagner will present the children’s program entitled The Life of a Victorian Child. Mishler will present an adult program called Black Jack Pershing & The War to End All Wars on June 9.
All programs are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated.