What can we learn about local\, state\, an
d national history by studying public monuments? Arkansas&rsquo\;s replica
Liberty Bell arrived in Little Rock as part of the 1950 "Save for Your In
dependence" savings bond campaign. The two-ton bell toured the state on a&
nbsp\;specially \;designed \;truck in the summer of 1950\, headlin
ing events \;that \;linked financial thrift to good citizenship an
d patriotism. \;Historian \;Kristin Dutcher Mann&
nbsp\;will \;explore \;the history of this object\, \;detailin
g \;its roots in postwar economic policy \;and discussing \;ho
w it came to its \;permanent home in the Bicentennial Memorial on the&
nbsp\;Arkansas State \;Capitol \;grounds.
\;We are excited to offer a lunch including a sandwich\, chips\, a coo
kie\, and a drink to in-person attendees in 2026\, courtesy of the CALS Fo
undation. Meals are limited and will be offered on a first-come first-serv
ed basis. We cannot accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies\, and re
gistration does not guarantee lunch will be available. \; \;
\;
Kristin Dutcher Mann \;is
Professor of History at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock\, where
she teaches courses in U.S. and World History\, Latin American History\, p
ublic history\, and social studies teaching methods. She is the author of&
nbsp\;The Power of Song: Music and Dance in the Missions of Northern New S
pain\, 1590-1810\, as well as articles\, book chapters\, and public histor
y projects on cultural history and soundscapes\, including bells. Her curr
ent research project is the subject of her talk today\, a study of the Rep
lica Liberty Bells that were part of the U.S. Treasury Department's 1950 I
ndependence Savings Bond Drive. A physical exhibit\, \;&ldquo\;250 Yea
rs of American Symbols\,&rdquo\; \;which she developed with a team of
undergraduate students\, is on display in the State Capitol 4th floor gall
ery through the summer. \;
Legacies and Lunch is a free monthly program of CALS Butler
Center for Arkansas Studies about Arkansas-related topics. This is a hybri
d program offering participants the opportunity to attend either in person
or \;virtually via \;Zoom. To \;participate \;in person\,
join us at Darragh Center\, 5th Floor\, CALS Main Library (with elevator
access). Parking is available in the surface lot or the CALS Parking Deck\
, \;which \;can be accessed \;from Rock Street. Parking will b
e \;validated. To \;participate \;virtually\, register for the
\;webinar \;using the button above. \;
All abi
lities are welcome. To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations\
, call 501.918.3069 or email \;hzbinden@cals.org \;seven business
weekdays before a program.
This program will be \;live
-streamed \;to \;YouTube\, \;and the recording will be availab
le \;immediately \;following the event. \;