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Calendar of Events

Thousands of jonquils and daffodils decorate Washington during “Jonquil Festival”- Royston Log House
Thousands of jonquils and daffodils decorate Washington during “Jonquil Festival”- Royston Log House c. 1835

Experience Life in Arkansas in the 19th Century

Historic Washington State Park offers a unique opportunity to experience life in Arkansas in the 19th Century. From Civil War Sites to Dutch Oven Cooking Workshops, there's much to see and do at Historic Washington State Park.


"Unearthed Treasures of Washington" Exhibit
APR 1-JUN 30, 2008:
9 am  - 5 pm

Take a look at some of the interesting archeological items that have been discovered under the direction of the Arkansas Archeological Survey at Washington over the past 30 years. See what we have learned from what our ancestors left behind at the 1874 Courthouse. This exhibit is part of the Arkansas Archeological Month celebration.
Admission: Free

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


19th Century Women's Night Out
MAY 9, 2008:
6 pm  - 8:30 pm

Ladies, do you need a break for the mundane? Experience a night out with the girls and a trip back in time. Take tea, enjoy music, and cruise the streets of Washington on a surrey. Reservations are required.
Admission: $18

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Historic Dance Workshop
MAY 10, 2008:
7 pm  - 10 pm

Did you know there was once a specific dance to pick your next dance partner? Learn this and other common dances of the mid-19th century. Learn favorites such as the Virginia Reel, Patti-cake Polka, and many more. Dance experience is not required for this evening workshop. Refreshments provided. Limit of 30 participants. Reservations requested.
Admission: $18 couples, $10 singles

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


"Basic Dutch Oven Skills" Workshop
MAY 10, 2008:
10 pm  - 2 pm

Have you ever noticed how everything tastes better around a campfire? This half-day workshop includes how to cook and bake using a Dutch oven. Fee includes a 4-quart Dutch oven for you to take home. There is a class limit of 10; reservations are required.
Admission: $35

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Summertime at Historic Washington
MAY 26-SEP 1, 2008:

Washington offers an array of tours and attractions during the summer. Special theme programs, workshops, and other activities will be featured during this season. For more information call (870) 983-2684.

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Historic Dance Workshop
JUL 12, 2008:
7 pm  - 10 pm

Did you know there was once a specific dance to pick your next dance partner? Learn this and other common dances of the mid-19th century. Learn favorites such as the Virginia Reel, Patti-cake Polka, and many more. Dance experience is not required for this evening workshop. Refreshments provided. Limit of 30 participants. Reservations requested.
Admission: $18 couples, $10 singles

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Red River Heritage Symposium
JUL 26, 2008:
1 pm  - 8 pm

Have you ever thought about the rich history in your region? Today, hear four guest lecturers speak on the historical treasures of the Red River Region. An evening meal is included in the conference fee. Pre-registration is required by July 23.
Admission: $20

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Historic Dance Workshop
SEP 13, 2008:
7 pm  - 10 pm

Did you know there was once a specific dance to pick your next dance partner? Learn this and other common dances of the mid-19th century. Learn favorites such as the Virginia Reel, Patti-Cake Polka, and many more. Dance experience is not required for this evening workshop. Refreshments provided. Limit of 30 participants. Reservations requested.
Admission: $18 couples, $10 singles

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Historic Dance Workshop
OCT 11, 2008:
7 pm  - 10 pm

Did you know there was once a specific dance to pick your next dance partner? Learn this and other common dances of the mid-19th century. Learn favorites such as the Virginia Reel, Patti-cake Polka, and many more. Dance experience is not required for this evening workshop. Refreshments provided. Limit of 30 participants. Reservations requested.
Admission: $18 couples, $10 singles

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Harness and Driving Workshop
OCT 18, 2008:
9 am  - 5 pm

This course covers the basics of safe harnessing and driving mule teams. If you like hands-on learning opportunities and want to experience the fun of wagon and carriage transportation, this class is for you! The minimum age is 16 (accompanied by an adult) and the class is limited to six.
Admission: $50; Reservations and deposit required.

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Washington After Dark
OCT 25, 2008:
6 pm  - 8 pm

After enjoying fine dining at Williams Tavern, guests will light their candle lanterns and accompany an interpretive guide as he takes them through selected sites in Washington that have some “unexplained” happenings in their history. You can believe or not, but you’ll have a wonderful evening walk in which to ponder the possibilities! Reservations are required.
Admission: $25 adults, $20 children under 14

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Civil War School Day
OCT 31, 2008:
10 am  - 2 pm

Students and teachers, join reenactors and park staff to learn about the military and civilian issues of the War Between the States. Visit the 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse, which served as the Confederate Capitol of Arkansas from 1863 to 1865. Students may learn a 19th Century dance, drill with an infantry sergeant, see a cannon demonstration, and participate in many other activities. Surrey rides will be available, by reservation only, for an additional fee. Space is limited for this special school day event; teachers, contact the park to reserve a spot for your class!
Admission: $5.50

Contact: (870) 983-2660
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


"Christmas Past" in Washington
DEC 9-19, 2008:
10 am  - 2 pm

Learn how our forebears celebrated the season! See the historic homes and buildings decked out in natural period decorations. Special curriculum-based school programs relating to the Christmas season and preparation for winter will be presented daily during this two-week period. Teachers, contact the park for further details and reservations.
Admission: $5.50

Contact: (870) 983-2660
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Valentine's Dinner
FEB 13-14, 2009:
6 pm  - 9 pm

Enjoy a romantic evening with someone special at historic Williams’ Tavern Restaurant. A complimentary surrey ride is offered from 6-7 p.m. Dinner and select entertainment begins at 7.
Admission: $60 per couple. Reservations are required with $25 non-refundable deposit.

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


Frontier Days at the Five Trails Rendezvous
FEB 20-22, 2009:
9 am  - 5 pm

Travel back in time to a festive pioneer atmosphere. Walk through a frontier encampment and learn about survival skills used by early Arkansas settlers. Watch reenactors demonstrate tomahawk throwing, use of muzzleloading rifles, and more! Co-sponsored by the Early Arkansas Reenactor Association.
Admission: Admission to the camp is free. Park tours at regular pricing.

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com


41st Annual Jonquil Festival
MAR 20-22, 2009:

This 3-day festival heralds the coming of spring to Southwest Arkansas. Thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers, and visitors to historic Washington. We are 41 years old and still going strong! Unique crafts and delicious foods are available each day. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tours of the historic park homes and buildings are available at regular pricing. Come be part of a tradition!
Admission: Festival admission free; parking $4

Contact: (870) 983-2684
HistoricWashington@arkansas.com

A wide array of arts and crafts is always part of the park's annual “Jonquil Festival”
A wide array of arts and crafts is always part of the park's annual “Jonquil Festival”







Visit Arkansas State Parks www.ArkansasStateParks.com

Historic Washington State Park
P.O. Box 129
Washington, AR 71862

Phone: (870) 983-2684
Fax: (870) 983-2736
E-mail: historicwashington@arkansas.com

Visit these other Arkansas Parks & Tourism Websites:
ArkansasStateParks.com | DeGray.com | PetitJeanStatePark.com | OzarkFolkCenter.com
QueenWilhelmina.com | CraterofDiamondsStatePark.com
MountMagazineStatePark.com | Arkansas.com
Adventure State Parks | History & Heritage State Parks
Mountain State Parks
Historic Washington State Park Arkansas
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