Rockefeller Institute Receives $4,000 Heritage Month Grant

PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN, Ark. (March 27, 2008) — In 1953, the son of a New York oil tycoon moved to Arkansas and began a new phase of his life. His decision to settle here changed our state forever.

During his 20 years in Arkansas, Winthrop Rockefeller addressed issues from water quality, rural economic development and education to government reform and the state’s political environment.

In an effort to share this legacy with all Arkansans, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas System applied for and received a 2008 Heritage Month grant from the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

“We are very excited that our application was successful,” said Joe Foster, program coordinator at the Rockefeller Institute. “Because the 2008 Heritage Month theme is ‘Arkansas’s Political Heritage,’ we knew we had a great opportunity to tell the story of Gov. Rockefeller’s impact on Arkansas.

“The grant will help us put together a public event that will remind older generations about the political contributions Rockefeller made, while also educating younger generations about a man who helped shape the political future of the state.”

According to Foster, the staff at the Rockefeller Institute will use the $4,000 grant to assist in funding a public celebration of Gov. Rockefeller’s political legacy as part of the Department of Arkansas Heritage’s Heritage Month 2008.

“WR – the Rockefeller Brand on Arkansas Politics” will be held Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rockefeller Institute located on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton. This program is at no cost to the public and was made possible in part by the grant from the Department of Arkansas Heritage, funded by your one-eighth cent conservation tax, Amendment 75.

Events scheduled as part of this program include a panel discussion with some of Gov. Rockefeller’s closest staff members that will highlight the late governor’s public life and political contributions to the state. Other activities include an outdoor barbecue at the historic Boathouse on Lake Abby and the grand opening of the Legacy Gallery and Theater, which feature exhibits and films of Gov. Rockefeller’s life and his lasting impact on Arkansas.

“With our historic setting and the beautiful new facilities we have in place, we felt it was our obligation to be a part of Heritage Month,” Foster said of the Rockefeller Institute. “We are privileged to be able to tell the story about the Arkansas Rockefeller and his mark on politics in the state.”

Seating is limited, so advance registration is required. To make reservations, click here. For more information about this program, contact Foster at (501) 727-6219 or jfoster@uawri.org.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas System is a unique educational center with conference and lodging facilities. 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 premier 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 heritage, archeology, the arts, culinary arts, language instruction, the environment, public affairs, and health and wellness.