A Sense of History

Winthrop Rockefeller moved to Arkansas and began a new phase of his life in 1953. Here he found the freedom to carve out a personal space to address the issues of what was once the poorest state in the union.

During his 20 years in Arkansas, Rockefeller hosted over 200 conferences and meetings in his home at Winrock Farms. Many of these conferences, populated by state and national leaders, hammered out solutions for Arkansas’ most difficult crises.

Rockefeller addressed issues such as water quality, rural economic development, educational needs, how to build Arkansas, how to harmonize the races, training for farmers and a broad range of other problems. His conferences provided a necessary spark to improve public and private sector policymaking. View a timeline of the life and legacy of Gov. Rockefeller

This sense of history continues to shape and determine events at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. Gov. Rockefeller's life and influence is prominently displayed in our historical gallery, and for the television generation, his legacy can be viewed in our interactive theater.

Related Links:

University of Arkansas System
UALR Archives
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation