Library, GCHS to present program on ‘Hot Springs for Health’

The Garland County Historical Society, in association with the Garland County Library, will present the program “Hot Springs for Health: Then & Now,” with Hot Springs National Park Ranger Kendra Barat at noon Tuesday in the Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave.

Barat will explore the evolution of public health at Hot Springs National Park from the late 1800s through the present day, a news release said.

The in-person program will also be available virtually at facebook.com/garlandcountylibrary or youtube.com/garlandcolibrary.

“Since the early European discovery of geothermal springs in central Arkansas, people have been intrigued by alleged healing properties of the water. Even before the formal bath house and spa era, Hot Springs developed into a health and wellness destination. The growing city drew people from all over the country, particularly those who ailed with nowhere else to turn,” the release said.

As time progressed into the 20th century, Hot Springs “transformed from a medical last resort to a health and leisure paradise. Despite the fall of the medical bathing industry and the closure of most of city’s bath houses in the mid-1900s, Hot Springs National Park remains a health and wellness destination in varying and interesting ways.”

Barat, the volunteer coordinator and social media manager for Hot Springs National Park, is in her seventh year with the National Park Service. She previously worked with the Office of Public Health and the Office of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation. Barat moved to Arkansas from the D.C. metro area in December 2021 and is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree online through Indiana University.

“Passionate about conservation, outdoor recreation, and the intersection between human health and our natural built environment, she hopes to eventually utilize our vast network of public lands to lessen the burden of chronic disease and promote community health and well-being,” the release said.

The Garland County Historical Society, 328 Quapaw Ave., is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 501-321-2159.

Submitted photo ■ This souvenir features two often-used slogans, “Uncle Sam Bathes the World” and “The Nation’s Spa,” that promoted the health resort at Hot Springs. Photo is courtesy of the Garland County Historical Society. Historical Society.

Submitted photo ■ A Chamber of Commerce publicity photo, circa 1943, taken at the Fordyce Bath House, is captioned “A massage after the bath is delightfully soothing and relaxing to bathers at Hot Springs National Park.” Photo is courtesy of the Garland County Historical Society.

Submitted photo ■ In the 1940s, the Chamber of Commerce uses vehicles to promote Hot Springs as the “World’s Greatest Health Resort.” Photo is courtesy of the Garland County Historical Society.

Submitted photo ■ Women exercise on stationary bikes at the Maurice Bath House in the 1940s. Exercise was an important part of the regime at Hot Springs National Park, long the nation’s health and wellness destination. Photo is courtesy of the Garland County Historical Society.