Fort Smith National Historic Site will present several education programs in June. All programs are free and open to the public. The programs will be an opportunity for visitors to better appreciate the significance and importance of the diverse aspects that have made Forth Smith National Historic Site a vital part of our natural and cultural heritage.

“We are pleased to offer so many different education programs to the visiting public” said Bill Black, superintendent of Fort Smith National Historic Site. “These programs will allow visitors to see the site in a different way and perhaps gain a change of perspective on how Fort Smith was an integral and dynamic place throughout the 19th Century.”

Education Programs for June, 2008

Tuesday, June 3, 10 a.m. “Skins and Skulls” Learn about the various animals that were important to the soldiers as the First Fort Smith was being built.

Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. – National Trails Day – Discover the importance of the Arkansas River along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. – Flag Day – Various flags flew over Fort Smith during it’s nearly 80 year history. Join a ranger to learn about the significance of the flags flown at Fort Smith NHS.

Sunday, June 15, 2 p.m. – Elks Club Flag Day presentation.

Wednesday, June 18, 10 a.m. “Historic Uses of Native Trees at Fort Smith” Visitors will explore different trees and how they were used during the development of Fort Smith.

Thursday, June 26, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Commemoration of the executions of James Arcine and William Parchmeal in 1885.

Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. “Traveling With the Deputy U.S. Marshals” Supplies were limited to what the deputies could carry on their horse. Learn how they traveled great distances with very little.

Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Commemoration of the execution of John Thornton in 1892.

Sunday, June 29, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Commemoration of the executions of William Finch, Martin Joseph and Te-o-lit-se in 1883.

Monday, June 30, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Commemoration of the executions of Edward Fulsom in 1882 and Boudinot Crumpton, alias Bood Burris in 1891.

To learn more about these events and others contact Fort Smith NHS at 479-783-3961 or visit us online at www.nps.gov/fosm. The park is located in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas at the corner of 3rd Street and Parker Street. Hours of operation are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST except December 25 and January 1 when the visitor center is closed.