Located in Little Rock, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is run in partnership with Little Rock public schools and the National Park Service. This regular high school came into the public eye when it was the site of desegregation in public schools during the Civil Rights Movement in 1957. The event gained national attention for its controversy, with many still being staunchly anti-integration at the time. After several attempts to enter and attend the school that was marred by violence, nine African-American students were finally escorted into the school by the U.S Army's 101st Airborne Division. This event provided a huge step towards equal civil rights in the American South, and all over the country. The site has a visitor center that displays a film and various exhibits centered around the Civil Rights Movement. Apart from this, there is a garden which has nine trees planted in honor of the Little Rock 9, who was at the center of the Little Rock Integration Crisis.
Located in the two-story 1840 Pike-Fletcher-Terry mansion, the Arkansas Arts Center is the cultural focus of Little Rock. Rotating exhibits of paintings, photographs and sculptures feature both local artists and renowned masters. The center boasts an eclectic gift shop, the upscale Best Impressions Restaurant and the Children's Little Theatre, which stages several theatrical productions a year. Check website for details on upcoming events.
The Arkansas Maritime Museum tells the heroic tale of the USS Razorback. The legendary submarine came back without any major damages after its various escapades in World War II and the Vietnam War. It was later sold to Turkey in the 1970s. Restoring the legend of the ship became essential and hence was brought to the Little Rock in 2004, to be displayed in the Maritime Museum. The graphic account of the war means children are advised against the tour. Hours vary as per season.
Discover the secrets of Arkansas' history in the oldest still-standing state capitol building to the west of the Mississippi River. Peruse permanent exhibits of Arkansas' women, President Clinton's journey to Washington, the first Arkansas House of Representatives, Arkansas' first families, period rooms and the State House's history. Special exhibits change various times per year, always featuring fascinating subject matter about the Natural State. Visitors may either take a self-guided tour of the museum or take one of the guided tours available each hour.
Journey back to the days before the Civil War forever changed Arkansas' history. The Historic Arkansas Museum, formerly known as the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, has preserved five antebellum homes, including the area's oldest building, the 1827 Hinderliter Grog Shop. Guests enjoy a guided living-history tour through the grounds as they learn the history of each building. The museum features several Arkansas art galleries and an interactive children's gallery.
Learn about the sacrifices made by brave Arkansans from the time the state was just a territory in the early 1800s up through the present day. This museum is fittingly situated in the historic Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal, which was built in 1840 to ward off attacks by Indians. The museum includes exhibits detailing the state's military history.
Leah's School of Latin Dance is a dance studio located in Little Rock, AR. They provide lessons in Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, etc and offers personalized lessons on request led by a team of qualified instructors.
The artwork in this gallery is breathtaking. You will find a wide range of sculptures, paintings and drawings by African-American artists. From James Ayers' emotionally-charged works to Euneda Otis' paintings depicting everyday scenes from the lives of Southern African-Americans, these pieces are collector-worthy. A special note: the bookstore sells hard-to-find, out-of-print books by African-American authors, some of which are autographed. The gallery also regularly hosts events. Call or visit its web site for details.
The Local Color Gallery hosts works of over 20 artists in and around the Arkansas area. Suited for both the experienced art observer and the novice, the works have a proper mix of the simple and the breathtaking. Classic oils, pastels, watercolors and other mediums are used to adorn the canvas and beyond. The gallery hosts a range of events from time to time, providing timely updates for the works on its walls. At times, the simple becomes a breath of fresh-air. Nothing underlines that more than the Local Color Gallery.
William E Thrasher Boys & Girls Club opened in 1953 and is a social space for the community. Being host to various sporting activities, the center offers a platform to its members to play and interact with people around. It also conducts events with certain themes for all age groups. You can enroll here for their aquatic or sports training and also be a part of their social bonding activities.
An event space for various kinds of performing arts and movie screenings, The CALS Ron Robinson Theater is one of the cultural hubs of the city. Not only can you enjoy watching film by independent filmmakers, documentaries and short films, but the theater also organizes special movie screenings for families, children and the like. Music performances by singer and bands, theatrical productions, book signings, book and poetry readings, seminars and workshops are also held quite regularly. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, then The CALS Ron Robinson Theater is where you should be headed for some great experiences.