Annual Natural State Chautauqua set for June 1-3
SMACKOVER — The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources has announced the schedule for the 17th annual Natural State Chautauqua to be held on the museum grounds at 7 p.m. June 1-3. The museum is located at 3853 Smackover Highway, Smackover.
This year’s theme is “A Belle, A Bandit and A Badge: Law & Disorder in Arkansas” and will feature three interesting characters from Arkansas’s past: Jesse James, Belle Starr and Bass Reeves, according to Pam Beasley, museum superintendent.
A program of the Arkansas of Museum of Natural Resources, the Natural State Chautauqua is in its 17th year of production 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, Beasley said.
“They present the character, then take questions as the character and finally step out of character to answer questions as the historic
figure. In addition to the evening performance
under the tent in character, the scholars will present children’s and adult workshops and speak to civic clubs in the community. This is a unique learning experience as one becomes emerged in the past and learns firsthand about America’s history,” she said.
“Because of these generous sponsors, all events are free: Murphy USA, AMNR Foundation, Arkansas State Parks, Smackover State Bank, South Arkansas Oil and Country Inn & Suites. This program is also sponsored in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Program and the Endowment Humanities,” said.
“All three scholars and the characters they portray are different, yet linked by one common thread – the law. Aaron Worley will present the infamous outlaw Jesse James, who held up his first stagecoach between Hot Springs and Malvern in 1874. Karen Vuranch will portray Belle Starr, a flamboyant female outlaw known for cattle rustling and fraternizing with fellow outlaws. After hearing from two
outlaws, the other side of the story will be told by legendary lawman Bass Reeves, portrayed by Dr. James Armstead,” she said.
“This line-up is going to be extraordinary! Each of these characters played a part in the history of Arkansas and in America and during Chautauqua, audiences will learn exactly how,” Beasley said.
Worley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, will make his first appearance on the Natural State Chautauqua stage as Jesse James. Worley first portrayed Jesse James at the Kansas City Public Library and has since presented the character for two Chautauquas in Missouri. He will bring Jesse James to life at 7 p.m. on June 1.
Vuranch is a storyteller, actress, historian and writer from West Virginia. Using solid historical research, she creates characters that bring history to life, Beasley said. She is currently a faculty member of Concord University and is the director of the Theatre Department. She also teaches courses in Appalachian Studies. In 2014, Vuranch brought Laura Ingles Wilder to life for the Natural State Chautauqua. She will present outlaw Belle Starr at 7 p.m. on June 2.
Armstead of California, will land on the Natural State Chautauqua stage for the eighth time at 7 p.m. on June 3. He is a retired professor of strategy and international law from the U.S. Naval War College. He has taught international law, strategy and national security policy for nearly 40 years. In addition to Bass Reeves, Armstead has 10 Chautauqua characters in his repertoire.
In addition to the evening performances, five additional programs will be held in the museum auditorium. At 7 p.m. on May 18, Tony Perrin, retiree of Arkansas State Parks, will discuss the history of law enforcement in Arkansas.
At 10 a.m. on June 1, Vuranch will present a program for children titled, “The Wild West on Old Time Radio.”
On June 2, Worley will present the children’s program “Jesse James: The American Robin Hood.”
On June 3, two programs will be presented. “The Indian Territories: The Politics and Policy of U.S. Expansion,” by Armstead will be presented at 10 a.m., followed at 1 p.m. by a show-and-tell by Ryan Dodge, a collector of western memorabilia, of equipment including guns, knives and other accouterments used between 1860-1900.
All programs are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated, Beasley said.
The mission of the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is to collect, preserve and interpret Arkansas’s natural resources with particular emphasis on petroleum and brine used for bromine extraction. Exhibits throughout the museum demonstrate the discovery and uses of petroleum and brine. Temporary exhibits change every six months and focus on various topics. The museum is one of 52 Arkansas State Parks. Museum hours are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday –Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free.