LAKE VILLAGE – The Lakeport Plantation Museum in Lake Village will host a free, day-long symposium this fall focusing on the history and cultural significance of the Mississippi River.
Titled "The Mississippi in American Memory," the event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and will feature presentations by guest speakers on a range of topics, including Indigenous peoples, plantation agriculture, archival resources, and river folklore. Ruth O’Loughlin, site director at the museum, said the symposium is being held in recognition of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
"Guest speakers will present on a wide range of topics related to the Mississippi River," O’Loughlin said. "The program will provide insights into the river's impact on diverse aspects of American history and culture."
Sessions will run from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. A local food truck, River Bend BBQ, Seafood and Steaks, will be on-site during lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. with a limited menu available for purchase.
Among the speakers, retired Mississippi River boat captain and author Lee Hendrix will cap the day by sharing stories from his time on the river. Hendrix began working on the Mississippi in 1972, received his captain's license in 1975, and retired in 2018 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Known for his firsthand knowledge of river piloting, he has worked on towboats, casino boats, and other vessels. His experiences are compiled in his forthcoming book, *Peep Light: Stories of a Mississippi River Boat Captain,* which will be available at the event.
The symposium is free to attend, but organizers encourage participants to register in advance to secure seating. Registration can be completed online at bit.ly/MSRiverSym, and additional information is available by emailing O’Loughlin at roloughlin@AState.edu or calling 870-265-6031.
Constructed in 1859, the Lakeport Plantation is one of Arkansas’s most significant historic structures, known for its original finishes and architectural details. It has been open to the public as part of the Arkansas State University Heritage Sites since 2007, with a focus on interpreting the region's history during the Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction eras.
The museum is located at 601 Highway 142 in Lake Village, and more information about its exhibits and programming can be found at Lakeport.AState.edu.