Author Archives: Dilynn Boyd

New Website for Arkansas State Archives Easier to Search

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The Arkansas State Archives’ new website with sections for researchers and educators makes searching state records much easier. As the official state archives, the group maintains the largest physical collection world-wide of Arkansas historical materials at its two locations: the Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives in Powhatan and the Southwest Regional Archives in Washington.

In addition to keeping much of the existing content, the new website also has:

♦  the ability to search for specific information or browse records alphabetically Continue reading →

George Washington Donaghey: “Looking Back”

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Reprinted here by special permission of the author, Cindy Beckman, a retired Conway High School history teacher who writes local history.

Recently, the University of Central Arkansas revealed plans for the development of the Donaghey Corridor. At the center of this plan is Donaghey Avenue, named for George Washington Donaghey, governor of Arkansas from 1909 to 1913.

Before becoming governor, George Donaghey was a carpenter in Conway. Although he was born in Louisiana, Donaghey considered Conway his home. He first came to Conway Continue reading →

“Heroes of Arkansas Folk Music” on July 30

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A concert and seminar honoring Arkansas’s folk music heroes, Patsy Montana, Jimmy Driftwood and Almeda Riddle, is set for Saturday, July 30. Sponsored by the Arkansas State Archives, the event will be held at their headquarters in Room 4A, One Capital Mall, Little Rock.

Registration is required but admission is free. Check in at 8:30. Light breakfast refreshments will be served to those who register by July 25. Continue reading →

Beckman’s New Book on Arkansas Education & Arch Ford

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As commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education from 1953 to 1978, Arch Ford served under five governors and ushered Arkansas education into the modern era. “His vision was to expand educational opportunities because he believed education was the foundation for improving people’s lives,” writes author Cindy Burnett Beckman in Man of Vision: Arkansas Education and the Legacy of Arch Ford, just released Continue reading →

Burnett’s Impact in Faulkner County: “Looking Back”

"Looking Back" 1 Comment

Reprinted here by special permission of the author, Cindy Beckman, a retired Conway High School history teacher who writes local history.

This past week, my family celebrated the life of my uncle, Carlton Burnett. He passed away on Independence Day after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. As we reflected on the man and his life, I began to realize what a major impact he had on the development of Conway and Faulkner County.

Carlton was born and raised on a farm in Pleasant Valley, north of Conway. He and his brother worked hard with their father in clearing and Continue reading →