Aaron Boswell will discuss the development and implementation of an interpretive strategy for the Arkansas River wat er route of the Trail of Tears\, created through his work with the U.S. Ar my Corps of Engineers. In the 1830s\, Cherokee\, Muscogee (Creek)\, Chocta w\, Chickasaw\, and Seminole people were removed through Arkansas toward I ndian Territory\, many under intense pressure from the U.S. government and white settlers. Numerous detachments traveled the Arkansas River aboard o vercrowded\, unsanitary cargo boats. Boswell will explore the research\, p lanning\, and design behind exhibits\, identification signs\, mileage mark ers\, and digital resources along the 308-mile route\, helping preserve an d share these stories. \;
\nWe 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 an d will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. We cannot accommodat e 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. \; \;< /p>\n
Aaron Boswell is a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is a Cherokee citizen with a distinguished career in military and federal service. He began his career as a U.S. Army Milita ry Police Officer\, serving in humanitarian and combat operations before c ompleting his service in 2000. Since joining the Corps in 2008\, he has su pported numerous emergency operations and developed expertise in interpret ation and outdoor education. A certified Interpretive Guide and recipient of the Chittenden Award for Interpretive Excellence\, Boswell has had his work published in Legacy. \;
\nPromotional artwork courtesy of < a href="https://www.maryluptonart.com/">Mary Lupton Art.
\nLegacies and Lunch is a free monthly program of the CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies\, foc using on Arkansas-related topics. This is a hybrid program offering partic ipants the opportunity to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom. T o participate in person\, join us at the Darragh Center on the 5th floor o f the CALS Main Library (with elevator access). Parking is available in th e surface lot (accessible from 2nd St.) and the CALS parking deck (accessi ble from Rock Street). Parking will be validated. To participate virtually \, register for the webinar using the button above.
\nAS L interpretation will be provided for this program. For any questions abou t the program please call 501.320.5726 or email Danielle Afsordeh.
\nThis program will be live-streamed to YouTube\, and the recording will be available immediat ely following the event.
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