[September 26, 2022 | MENA, Ark.]  Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Krystal Thrailkill has announced the college’s return to community service, non-credit traveling history courses. A minimum of 20 students will be necessary for the classes to be provided. The registration fee for the trips is $40 each.  Four different seminars will be offered on October 3, 10, 17, and 24.

            October 3 will travel to Fort Smith. The lecture will be regarding Judge Isaac Parker and Arkansas’ Outlaws in the late 1800s. Stop one will be at the Fort Smith National Historic Site and Judge Parker’s Courthouse where there will be an additional $10 entry fee. Stop two will be Miss Laura’s house of “questionable hospitality.” Students will then enjoy lunch on their own in downtown Fort Smith before boarding the bus to return to Mena. 

            October 10 students will travel to the Crater of Diamonds State Park, a 911-acre park in Pike County, near Murfreesboro. The park features a 37.5 acre plowed field that is the world’s only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public. Hear a lecture about the history of the mine and participants also have the option to dig for diamonds as well. Lunch will be on your own.

            Old Washington History and Tour is scheduled for October 17. Admission is free but lunch will be on your own. This museum village contains a collection of pioneer artifacts from the town of Washington, Arkansas, which is a former pioneer settlement along the Southwest Trail.

            The October 24 seminar/lecture will be Native American History in the Ouachitas and will include hands on learning, being able to touch/hold different artifacts. The trip itinerary is along the Fourche River and includes Dooley Bridge Archaeological Site. Stop two will be Dripping Springs Archaeological Site and the last stop will be a short hike to Fourche River Overlook for a lunch. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sacked lunch and to wear outdoor clothing with appropriate shoes.

         Scott County participants may join the October 3 and 24 trips from the UA Rich Mountain campus in Waldron, if preferred.

        Dr. Thrailkill said she is looking forward to being able to provide these trips again to the community.  To register, please contact Stephanie Tapley at 479.394.7622.

        UA Rich Mountain’s mission is to provide transformative education to all learners.