Old Farm Structures More Than Just a Pretty Picture

PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN, Ark. (Jan. 21, 2010) — Arkansas’ rural landscape is filled with historic old houses and abandoned barns that provide a visual reminder of many Arkansans’ heritage – as well as a photo opportunity for passersby. Although it’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, a mere snapshot does not tell the whole story behind what were the most expensive investments farm families could make.

The skills involved in capturing the historical significance of these structures can be taught through hands-on, interactive methods. This is the focus of the Historic Rural Arkansas Photo Documentation Workshop, to be held Feb. 5-7 at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and along the old farm roads of Petit Jean Mountain.

The principal instructor will be Dr. Skip Stewart-Abernathy, Station Archeologist with the Arkansas Archeological Survey at the Rockefeller Institute. Assisted by staff from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP), Stewart-Abernathy will teach participants the following skills needed to create a true historical account of these buildings:

Basic photo documentation practices of houses and outbuildings
How to make quick and accurate plans of farmsteads
Using GPS equipment and topographic maps to record location
Proper historical record keeping
Gathering oral histories

Click here for more information about this workshop – including supplies needed. To register, click here. Workshop packages that include meals and/or lodging at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute’s Lodge and Conference Center are available.

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas System is an educational institute and conference center. Committed to acting as a catalyst, its vision involves combining the legacy and ideas of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller with the resources and expertise of the state’s largest university system. Its mission is to develop diverse programs that nurture ideas, policies and activities to make life better in Arkansas.

The Rockefeller Institute accomplishes its mission by offering a variety of workshops, seminars, public lectures, conferences and special events. Program areas include agriculture and environment, arts and humanities, economic development, and policy and public affairs. To learn more, call (501) 727-5435, visit www.uawri.org or stay connected on Twitter and Facebook.