News Release

Park History Weekend 2022

A graphic black line drawing of a figure paddling a canoe, with a bluff in the background.  The sky above the bluff is yellow and black lettering above reads Buffalo National River 50th.

Ana Laura Salinas

News Release Date: February 9, 2022

Harrison, Ark. – Buffalo National River’s first weekend of 50^th anniversary celebratory events is coming soon. From February 25^th to March 1^st, 2022, the park is celebrating the rich cultural and geological history of the area and the creation of the park. All are invited to participate in the listed activities below.    

• Friday, February 25^th, 2022: Parker-Hickman Farmstead Virtual Tour. Discover almost 180 years of Ozark homesteading history with Ranger Kevin Middleton during this virtual event. The presentation will be available on Buffalo National River’s Facebook page at 6 p.m. It is available to watch anytime here: Parker-Hickman Farmstead Tour. 
• Saturday, February 26^th, 2022: Oral History StoryCorps Event.  Buffalo National River Oral History – StoryCorps Archive Ensure that your stories and important experiences at Buffalo National River become a part of the history of the park.  Email Lauren Ray at e-mail us to reserve a time slot to have your oral history recorded. Located at the North Arkansas College, in Harrison, AR.   
• Saturday, February 26^th, 2022: Geological History Talk. Take a walk through geologic time at Buffalo National River with Ranger Paige Preston. Explore the history of the rocks of the Buffalo and how they came to rest so majestically here in Arkansas. Be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothes and bring a chair and/or blanket to sit on. Meet at 1:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Point Boat Launch.  
• Sunday, February 27, 2022: Beaver Jim Villines Homestead Tour. Join Kevin Middleton and the Buffalo National River Partners for an in-person outdoors guided tour of the Beaver Jim Villines Homestead. Meet at Ponca Access at 10:00 a.m.  
• Sunday, February 27^th, 2022: Tribal Connections Presentation.  Learn about the current and historic tribal connections that shape the cultural history of Buffalo National River. This virtual event will be held on Microsoft Teams and will take place at 3:00 p.m. The presentation will be recorded and made available to watch later.
• Tuesday, March 1^st, 2022: Science Symposium.  Scientists, researchers, and subject matter experts from across the country are coming together to present the latest discoveries pertaining to natural and cultural resources at Buffalo National River. Speakers include scientists from The Osage Nation, U.S. Geological Survey, Cave Research Foundation, Arkansas Water Resource Center, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and more. This virtual event will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Tune in at Teams Live event. Please see the park website for a complete schedule of speakers.  

These events are a part of a series of event weekends scheduled throughout 2022 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Buffalo National River. Buffalo National River was originally designated by Congress as a public park in 1972 to conserve the unique scenic and scientific features of the area, while preserving as free flowing an important segment of the Buffalo River for the enjoyment of future generations. Preparation for and presentation of these events are made possible by the hard work and volunteerism of many park and community partners, including Buffalo National River Partners and Buffalo River Historic Jail and Museum.  For more information about these and other 50^th anniversary events, please visit https://www.nps.gov/buff/getinvolved/50th-anniversary.htm and the park’s Facebook and Instagram social media pages. Please note that events are subject to change due to COVID-related requirements or weather.