The Arkansas History Commission held their quarterly meeting in El Dorado yesterday, visiting the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society’s Gallery of History and the Newton House Museum.
Jim Andrews, General Counsel for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism as well as one of the Preservation Society’s directors, said it is typical for the Commission to travel for their meetings in order to take in historical sites around the state. Last quarter, they visited the Powhatan Historic State Park in Lawrence County.
“The Commission likes to get out and about with their quarterly meetings, and this was a great opportunity to bring them to El Dorado and see a little bit of the El Dorado history,” Andrews, who resides in El Dorado, said.
At their meeting, commissioners discussed the operation metrics of the Arkansas State Archives and the possible necessity of enhancing state law regarding archiving procedures and archive retention.
“For example, they would like a review of whether we’re ensuring that certain public records are archived for future generations, in addition to the usual birth records, death records, marriage records – figure out what may need to be saved for posterity’s sake,” Andrews said. “They’re going to do this offline and have a basic report ready in December at the next meeting.”
After their meeting, commissioners headed to the Newton House Museum, where they were greeted by Penelope Newton, the home’s original lady, being portrayed by Haley Phillips.
In an emotional monologue, Phillips re-told the history of the house in a thick, antebellum accent as Penelope Newton. While privileged, Newton was well acquainted with hardship – four of her six children, as well as her husband died within nine years of moving to El Dorado and she was left on her own to run two plantations, unable to remarry lest she lose her stake in the farms.
“I don’t know much about El Dorado, but we love older homes – we live in one ourselves, but not one from the 1800’s – so this is gorgeous, and Penelope’s introduction to us, about the home and her life, it was very, very moving. It made me want to cry,” said Jan Bryant, spouse of History Commissioner Jimmy Bryant and self-professed history lover. “A woman’s life was rough.”
Several of those in attendance became emotional as they listened to Newton’s life story.
“Hearing those types of stories from someone that experienced them – of course, she was portraying someone else – but it really brings history to life, makes it alive,” said Jimmy Bryant, a History Commissioner. “You can sympathize with the troubles they had. … It just really tugs at your heart to hear someone like her speak. I’m glad we had that opportunity to hear her.”
Commissioners in attendance included Chairperson Jason Hendren, Bryant, Ron Fuller and Robery McCarley, along with Julienne Crawford, interim director of the Arkansas State Archives and some guests of the commission, including Jan Bryant; Diane Alderson, a director at the Historical Preservation Society; Elizabeth Eggleston, executive director of the El Dorado Historic District Commission; and Andrews.
“I have to admit that El Dorado is really very progressive when it comes to preserving their history,” Jimmy Bryant said. “This is unique. It’s unique to see people that are this invested in their community.”
Fuller agreed, saying the emphasis El Dorado has placed on the preservation of the city’s history is impressive.
“As someone that loves history and loves cultural preservation, I just really commend the city on what they’ve been doing,” Fuller said.
Jan Bryant said she also enjoyed the exhibits at the Gallery of History. Currently, the Gallery has exhibits on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 Poor People’s Campaign, the Michael G. Fitzgerald film collection and the ever-present Union County Sports Hall of Fame Museum.
In particular, Bryant said she appreciated the mural replicating one that was displayed in the Resurrection City encampment on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in 1968, during the Dr. Martin Luther King’s Poor People’s Campaign. The Poor People’s Campaign exhibit opened at the Gallery of History in June.
“I was looking at where they had painted on some walls – it just tugs on your heart,” Jan Bryant said.
After Phillips’ presentation, commissioners sat down for a homecooked meal, complete with mayhaw jelly for their rolls.
To learn more about the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society, visit soarkhistory.com. Currently, monthly film screenings featuring classic feature and short films from the Michael Fitzgerald collection are being held at the Gallery of History.
Caitlan Butler can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].