About Johnny Carrol Sain – Monday, Oct. 8th

Photo of Johnny Carrol SainThe Second Monday author series continues this Monday, October 8th, as we welcome Johnny Carrol Sain to the Ross Pendergraft Library for an in-depth look at the challenges of being a free-lance writer, editor, and photographer.  Join us at 7:00 P.M. in RPL 300 for a presentation from an award-winning writer and a force behind the local magazine, About the River Valley.

Johnny Carrol Sain is currently the managing editor of About the River Valley.  He has also been published in Arkansas Life, Hatch, Food & Environment Reporting Network, the Courier, and Field and Stream.  His work specializes in the outdoors, conservation, natural and rural heritage—particularly in Arkansas.

His writing has earned him a Diamond Journalism Award and an Excellence in Craft award from the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

This presentation is free and open to the public.  For more information about this presentation or the Ross Pendergraft Library contact us at 479-964-0546 or email Luke Heffley at lheffley@atu.edu.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for more news and events in the library.  We hope to see you there!

Front covers of About the River Valley

Echoes of the River Valley kickoff on Sept. 13

Banner featuring Echoes of the River Valley series. Includes pictures of a violin and a quilt

On Thursday, September 13th, at 7:00 P.M. in RPL 300B, the Ross Pendergraft Library kicks off a new series exploring, sharing and preserving the folk arts of the River Valley.  Join us this Thursday as we welcome Dave Smith, old-time fiddler and multi-instrumentalist, who will share his tunes, traditions, and wealth of knowledge about the music of the Ozarks and the greater region.

Photo of Dave Smith, a handsome older gentleman in white shirt, dark vest, dark pants, and brown hat. He has a white beard and mustache of moderate length

Dave Smith is an accomplished folk musician from Mountain View, Arkansas.  He is the host of Ozark Highlands Radio, a popular weekly radio program featuring live music, jam sessions, and interviews from the Ozark Folk Center State Park’s auditorium.  Dave plays the guitar, fiddle, claw-hammer banjo, and the button accordion.

He will discuss the role of music in everyday life before and after the Civil War. From there we can follow the music into the 20th century where we can examine the impact of technology on the on the evolution of the music. Find out how this music is not only surviving, but thriving in today’s fast paced digital age.

If this is your kind of jam, you might like to join a real jam at the Gatherings–a weekly series of musical jams open to all stringed instruments and all level of musicians.  The music will focus on the traditional tunes of the Ozark region.  The University of Arkansas Ozark Folk Songs digital collection will be the primary resource with emphasis on fiddle tunes.

Gatherings will be held on Thursdays, September 27th, October 4th, October 11th, and October 18th from 5:30-7:30 P.M. in Doc Byran 242.  Participants are encouraged to bring a recording device.  All tunes will be played slowly, phrase-by-phrase, working up to greater speeds. Chords will be available for those who wish to play rhythm with their strings.

"Four Thursdays in Autumn at Doc Bryan Room 242 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Thursdays Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct.11, Oct.18. The Gatherings"

The final event in the Echoes of the River Valley series will include a two hour session on quilting and piecing using traditional Ozark methods on October 25th.

So rosin up your bow and practice your finger work by clicking Like on our Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instragram pages so you can stay in the circle on what’s happening in the library.   You can also read up on the series at our website: http://libguides.atu.edu/echoes

All events are free and open to the public.  See ya’ll on Thursday!

 

Redgunk Tales this Monday, April 9th

Cover of book entitled "RedGunk Tales : Apocalypse and Kudzu from Redgunk, MississippiJoin us on Monday, April 9th in RPL 300B at 7:00 P.M. for a presentation from Dr. Bill Eakin, professor of philosophy and German from the University of the Ozarks, on his book entitled, Redgunk Tales : Apocalypse and Kudzu from Redgunk, Mississippi.  Dr. Eakins will discuss his book as well as tips for publishing short stories.

Redgunk Tales features 13 interwoven stories set in the fictional town of Redgunk, Mississippi, where “the predictable lives of the smothering backwater’s residents are touched by shadowy supernatural events” (Publisher’s Weekly).

Critics have said Dr. Eakin’s stories are like “Thomas Wolfe on acid and James Joyce on moonshine,” and “simultaneously a place of prosaic horror and absolute beauty.”  His most recent literary work has been labeled “a stunning masterpiece” by Andre Dubus, III (House of Sand and Fog).

Dr. Eakins currently lives in Arkansas on a cliff above Piney Bay outside of Russellville. Over one hundred of his short works have appeared in most of the big genre zines, as well as in numerous literary journals.  Many of his stories were recommended by Science Fiction Writers of America for the Nebula Award, and have been reprinted in five book collections, which can be found on Amazon.

Monday’s lecture is part of an ongoing local author series presented by the Ross Pendergraft Library every second Monday of each month.  For more information about this event or the series, contact Luke Heffley at lheffley@atu.edu.

Jonestown Survivor to Speak April 5th

"Don't Drink the Kool Aid : Advice from a Jonesown Survivor" April 5th, 6:00 in RPL 300This Thursday, April 5th, join us for a very special presentation from a survivor of the Jonestown massacre, Laura Johnston.  Her lecture, “Don’t Drink the Kool Aid: Advice from a Jonestown Survivor” will take place in RPL 300.  A reception will be held at 5:30, with the talk scheduled to begin at 6:00 P.M.  She will also sign copies of her book, Jonestown Survivor: An Insider’s Look, following the presentation.

Admission is free and open to the public.  The event is hosted by the ATU Department of Behavioral Sciences, the ATU Department of History and Political Science, and the ATU College of Arts and Humanities.

Kohl was one of 87 members of the Peoples Temple who survived the Jonestown massacre in Guyana on Nov. 18, 1978.  A total of 918 individuals perished in what was the single largest loss of American civilian life by a deliberate act until Sept. 11, 2001.

“I was a member of Peoples Temple for seven years in California before moving to Guyana,” writes Kohl in her bio. “I lived in Georgetown and Jonestown, Guyana, for another nearly two years.  I happened to be in Georgetown with about 80 other survivors when my wonderful friends and adopted family were murdered in Jonestown.  It took me 20 years to accept my survival and rebuild my life.”

Now a bilingual middle school teacher in California, Kohl’s speaking engagements focus on such topics as surviving tragedy, survivors’ guilt, sociology, political science, psychology and the red flags associated with cult dynamics.

Want to learn more about Jonestown before the lecture? The Ross Pendergraft Library had additional resources on this historical tragedy:

For more information about Kohl’s appearance at Arkansas Tech, contact Dr. Joshua Lockyer, associate professor of anthropology, at jlockyer@atu.edu.

 

The Path of an Indie Author

Cover of book, Caroline's LighthouseHave you ever dreamed about writing your own book?  Learn how to make your dream a reality by joining us this Monday, March 12th at 7:00 P.M. in RPL 300B for a special presentation about the writing and publishing process from Brandi Collins, author of the recently published book, Caroline’s Lighthouse

Brandi will discuss her inspiration for writing, her path to independent publishing, and her current and future projects.  A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

This event, sponsored by the Ross Pendergraft Library, is the latest in our “Second Monday” local author series where we invite authors from Tech to share their books with the community.  All of these events are free and open to the public.

Caroline’s Lighthouse, published by Archway Publishing from Simon & Schuster, is a mystery/thriller novel centered on a young woman who has inherited a Virginia lighthouse—the sight of a century-old lovers’ suicide and rumored to be the most haunted place in town.

Aside from being a published author, Brandi Collins is also the licensing, branding, and editorial manager in the University Relations department at Arkansas Tech.  Caroline’s Lighthouse is her first novel.

For more information about the event or the Second Monday series, contact Luke Heffley at 479-964-0569 or lheffley@atu.edu.

 

Craft Beer Presentation at Ross Pendergraft Library

cover image of Dr. Chapman's book, "Untapped" featuring a tall glass of beer with glasses, a mustache, and a beard made of hopsJoin us at the Library on Monday, November 13th, at 7:00 P.M., for a tall, frosty glass of knowledge about the cultural dimensions of craft beer as presented by Dr. Nathaniel Chapman, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Arkansas Tech.  This free event will be held at RPL 300B—all are welcome.

As part of the Library’s Second Monday author series, Dr. Chapman will discuss the rise of craft beer from social and cultural perspectives.  He is the co-editor of Untapped: Exploring the Cultural Dimensions of Craft Beer, a collection of 12 previously unpublished essays that analyze the rise of craft beer and explore many diverse topics from activism at beer festivals to how craft beer is revitalizing cities and local economies.

Chapman is currently conducting research on gender and consumption in the craft beer industry and the construction of authenticity in craft brewing.  If you are interested in subjects like business, race, gender, politics, or simply craft beer, check out this book from the library or come check out his presentation Monday night.

While no actual craft beer will be on hand at the library, guests are welcome to fill their glass with insight into an increasingly popular cultural phenomenon.  Stay buzzed on other events scheduled in the library, including our next 2nd Monday author series, by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, or by seeing us on Instagram.  Cheers!

 

Veterans Appreciation Event November 9th

Colonel (Ret) Nate Todd

Colonel (Ret.) Nate Todd, Director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs

Help us salute our nation’s heroes by joining us for a special event hosted by the Ross Pendergraft Library on Thursday, November 9th, in room 300B.  This free and open event will feature several special presentations on veteran services, history, memorials, and more.  The evening will kick off at 7:00 P.M. with our distinguished guest and  keynote speaker, Colonel (Ret.) Nate Todd, current Director of the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs.  All are welcome.

In addition to Colonel Todd’s keynote address, guest speakers will provide presentations on the following:

  • Presentation of the Colors by ATU ROTC
  • Armed Forces Medley
  • POW/MIA
  • Quilt of Valor presentation
  • Veterans Park Walk of Honor Tiles
  • WWI Centennial Memorial
  • and much more…

The following organizations will also be on hand to share information and answer questions about various veteran services:

  • Arkansas Veterans Benefits Administration
  • Pope County Veteran Services/Walk of Honor
  • ATU Student Group ( SMVA)
  • VA/Clergy Partnership (VCP)
  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
  • Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces
  • ATU Veterans Upward Bound
  • and more…

Those attending will also have a chance to enter in a drawing for a Walk of Honor Tile at Veterans Park ($150 value) in honor their own service or to honor the service of a loved one in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For more information about this event or to ask questions, please contact Luke Heffley at lheffley@atu.edu or call 479-964-0569.

Ozarks to the Argonne Forest

Come see the stuff of the history at the Ross Pendergraft Library this Thursday, September 28th, at 7:00 P.M. as we welcome Lee Fields for a presentation entitled “Ozarks to the Argonne Forest”.  The event will be held in room 300B.  Fields, a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Army, will discuss and display his large collection of World War I memorabilia passed down from his father.  His presentation will also include a larger discussion of the hometown heroes who fought World War I in the Arkansas Division.

Soldier's uniform

Exhibit of various ww1 artifacts

The talk is part of the ongoing World War I Centennial series at the Library, which will continue throughout the month of October and November.  The Ross Pendergraft Library recently hosted a series of information panels on the Great War as part a traveling exhibit funded by a grant through the Library of America.  Though this exhibit has moved on, another one focused on the role Arkansas played in the war will take its place on the first floor of the library from Sept. 28th – Oct. 4th.

A panel exhibit on The Great War : Arkansas in World War I

The new information panels, provided by the Arkansas State Archives, will illustrate how the war impacted the people and the economy of our own backyard.  The exhibit will consist of 12 panels that showcase the state archives’ holdings, including original documents, photographs, posters, maps, and other historical objects that illustrate the lives of Arkansans over 100 years ago.  This exhibit is funded in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council, the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Book cover for To Can the KaiserInterested in reading up on the role Arkansas played during World War I?  Check out To Can the Kaiser: Arkansas and the Great War.  Written by Mike Polston and Guy Lancaster, this book covers the changes wrought by the global conflict in the natural state.  It includes information about the 70,000 Arkansans serving as soldiers, as well as their training at Camp Pike and Eberts Field.  It also explores the role of civilians and women, wartime propaganda, and the economic boon to the state provided by the demand for raw materials like cotton, mineral, and timber resources.  The book is available for check-out by any student, faculty, or staff.

 

Join us Thursday for a glimpse into history through the helmets, uniforms, bayonets, and the other things they carried as Arkansans marched off to the Great War.  The presentation is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Luke Heffley at lheffley@atu.edu or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Dardanelle and the Bottoms

book jacket image featuring two crows on a lifeless tree branch

Learn about local history with a special presentation at the Ross Pendergraft Library on Monday, September 11th, as we welcome Dr. Diane Gleason to discuss her latest book, Dardanelle and the Bottoms: Environment, Agriculture, and Economy in an Arkansas River Community, 1819-1970.  Join us at 7:00 PM in Room 300B of the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center for this opportunity to explore the fascinating history of our own backyard.

Dr. Gleason is a recently retired associate professor of history from Arkansas Tech, who ended a forty-year teaching career last May in order to devote time to historical research and writing.  While at Tech, she created and taught the Southern Women’s History course, reintroduced and reinvigorated several defunct courses such as American Labor History and American Economic History, and taught a broad spectrum of other history classes.

She has written several entries in the Arkansas Encyclopedia of History and Culture, Arkansas Biography, and Writing Women’s History: A Tribute to Anne Firor Scott.  She co-authored Warren G. Harding, Harbinger of Normalcy with Dr. H. Micheal Tarver.

Dardanelle and the Bottoms describes the interdependence between the rural farming community known as the Dardanelle Bottoms and the nearby town of Dardanelle.  The book explores the history of that relationship beginning in the early 1800’s through the 1940’s and the economic upheaval brought about by changes in farming, particularly in the cotton industry.  Dr. Gleason examines the complex rural/town dichotomy revealing and analyzing key components of each area, including aspects of race, education, the cotton economy and its demise, the devastation of floods and droughts, leisure, crime, and the impact of the Great Depression.

This event is free and open to the public.  Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer period and a book signing, with copies of the book available for purchase.  For more information, contact Luke Heffley at (479) 964-0546 or lheffley@atu.edu.

World War I and Arkansas

Mark your calendars this week for a special presentation as part of the World War I centennial exhibit.  On Thursday, Sept. 7th, Dr. Buck Foster from the Arkansas Department of Heritage will give a presentation entitled, “World War I and Arkansas.”  Join us at 7:00 P.M.  in the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center, room 300 south, for this special program in Arkansas and world history.  The entire community is invited.

Additionally, the first floor of the library has been dedicated to a traveling exhibition featuring panels that illustrate the historic events of 100 years ago.  The program is funded by a grant through the Library of America in support of educational programming about World War I.  Arkansas Tech University received the only such grant for the entire state of Arkansas.  The panels will be available here until Sept. 25th.

Display panels for the World War One exhibit

Display panels for the WW1 exhibit

In addition to the panels, a local collector, Lee Fields, has loaned his collection of World War I memorabilia for our display cases, including weapons, books, bayonets, and even the iconic dough-boy helmet worn by U.S. soldiers during the war.

Display case featuring a WW1 uniform and hat.Display case featuring WWI artifacts

Stay tuned for future events throughout the month of September, October, and November to celebrate the Centennial of World War 1.  You can read the full schedule here or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.  For more information about the World War I speakers and events, contact Luke Heffley at (479) 964-0546 or lheffley@atu.edu