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The Freedom Train in Arkansas

Legacies & Lunch September 2026
2026-09-02 12:00:00 2026-09-02 13:00:00 America/Chicago The Freedom Train in Arkansas Dr. Kelly Houston Jones will outline the Freedom Train's activities and explore the public discussions generated by its historic journey through Arkansas in 1948. <b>Free lunch provided!</b> Main Library - 529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom

Wednesday, September 02
12:00pm - 1:00pm

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Main Library

529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom

Dr. Kelly Houston Jones will outline the Freedom Train's activities and explore the public discussions generated by its historic journey through Arkansas in 1948. Free lunch provided!

In January 1948, Washington's annotated copy of the U.S. Constitution, Jefferson's marked-up draft of the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln’s signed Emancipation Proclamation, and many more priceless artifacts of American history passed through Arkansas for public viewing on the cross-country Freedom Train exhibit. The display of these documents in the Jim Crow South was not without its controversy. Dr. Kelly Houston Jones will outline the Freedom Train's activities and explore the public discussions generated by its historic journey through Arkansas.

We are excited to offer a lunch including a sandwich, chips, a cookie, and a drink to in-person attendees in 2026, courtesy of the CALS Foundation. Meals are limited and will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. We cannot accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies, and registration does not guarantee lunch will be available. Registration is not required, but is recommended to help us in planning and event promotion.   

Dr. Kelly Houston Jones is associate professor of history and director of the history graduate program at Arkansas Tech University. Her first book, A Weary Land: Slavery on the Ground in Arkansas, won the John William Graves Award from the Arkansas Historical Association.  

About and Attendee Information 

Legacies and Lunch is a free monthly program of the CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, focusing on Arkansas-related topics. This is a hybrid program offering participants the opportunity to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom. To participate in person, join us at the Darragh Center on the 5th floor of the CALS Main Library (with elevator access). Parking is available in the surface lot (accessible from 2nd St.) and the CALS parking deck (accessible from Rock Street). Parking will be validated. To participate virtually, register for the webinar using the button above.  

ASL interpretation will be provided for this program. For any questions about the program please call 501.320.5726 or email Danielle Afsordeh

This program will be live-streamed to YouTube, and the recording will be available immediately following the event. 

Past Legacies & Lunch Events

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History & Genealogy |

Main Library
Phone: 501.918.3000
Branch manager
Ellen Samples (Interim Manager)
Hours
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Main Library

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We're open 9:00AM to 6:00PM

We're closed Friday August 07 due to Staff Day
Branch manager
Ellen Samples (Interim Manager)
Address
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Tel: 501.918.3000

Upcoming Events

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529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
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It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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131 | Martin Children's Center
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013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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Thu, Aug 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
You can be a mad scientist! Learn the science behind these fun experiments each week. 8/13 Growing Soap 8/20 Fireworks in a Cup 8/27 Elephant Toothpaste
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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Storytime & Crafts
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131 | Martin Children's Center
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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504 | Adult Programming Room
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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Sat, Aug 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
235 | Makerspace
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131 | Martin Children's Center
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230 | Teen Center Program Room
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013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
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Wed, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
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The Freedom Train in Arkansas - Legacies & Lunch September 2026
Wed, Sep 02, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Dr. Kelly Houston Jones will outline the Freedom Train's activities and explore the public discussions generated by its historic journey through Arkansas in 1948. Free lunch provided!
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Sep 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
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