"History museums aren't stuck in the past like some people think," says Ellen Korenblat, director of community engagement for Historic Arkansas Museum.
The museum has kept one eye on the past and another on the future since 1941, restoring and preserving 19th-century structures and building up a collection of old and contemporary works by Arkansas artists and artisans. It will show off those wide-ranging collections in elegant style at the 20th Candlelight Gala on Saturday.
The museum's heading into its 75th anniversary next year. Part of the joy of looking back is looking ahead; the future means "collecting" new supporters, augmenting the volunteer staff and the board with young enthusiasts who represent more future than past.
One of those new board members is Paula Guajardo, an artist who joined earlier this year at the urging of a friend. Her work was displayed at the museum years ago during a Latin American artists exhibit, and she and her husband, who was involved in a furniture design exhibit, have been regular attendees ever since.
"I've probably been to that museum more often than others just because it's easily accessible and always has something going on," Guajardo explains. "It's just small enough and just big enough to be interesting all the time."
Making history meaningful and tangible is a large part of the museum's mission. Instead of simply opening the doors of historic structures like the Woodruff Print Shop or the Plum Bayou Log House, it has costumed interpreters cooking away in the kitchen, a blacksmith demonstrating how to forge a knife. There are more knives and American Indian artifacts inside the museum galleries, with other exhibits of Arkansas art rotating regularly.
A field trip to Historic Arkansas Museum (or the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, as it was known until 2001) is almost a rite of passage for elementary school students. It's a visit that serves an important purpose, beyond a morning out of the classroom.
"To learn about history sometimes to some kids can seem kind of boring," Guajardo says. "But when you see physical objects and learn that someone you're studying, they owned this or they sat in this, it brings everything to life."
Guajardo, who grew up in San Antonio, recalls feeling the same way as a child, visiting the San Antonio missions.
"I wasn't that interested in studying about it until I saw it."
The Little Rock museum opened in July 1941, thanks largely to the efforts of resident Louise Loughborough, who fought to save four rundown historic structures in downtown Little Rock.
Now it's getting ready for a big anniversary and guests at the Candlelight Gala will notice a bit of 1940s flair, with actors dressed up to portray Loughborough and other key figures from the era mingling and enjoying cocktails, a candlelit dinner and auctions. Even the coat check workers will be attired in period raiment.
Auction items are set to include artwork, dinners, jewelry, a pioneer cooking experience and a chance to be an apprentice blacksmith for a day.
Guajardo hasn't had the chance to attend the gala before, but she says she's looking forward to it, particularly to the 1940s music performed by the Delta Brass Big Band.
While it's celebrating its start, the gala will also serve as a springboard for the future. It may be a history museum, but its focus isn't entirely on the past.
"As much as we are looking back over the last 75 years, we are also looking forward toward the next 75 years," Korenblat says.
The museum continues to expand its collection of works by contemporary artists and artisans, looking ahead and saving them for future generations. Money raised at the gala will be used to buy new art for the galleries.
The gala and the anniversary celebration are also opportunities to encourage more young people to take an active interest in the museum, Guajardo says.
"I've been there on weekends for events and there are kids dressed up in old costumes and bonnets," she says. "That's kind of neat to see."
Things should get even more interesting next year as the museum celebrates its 75th anniversary. That will include the regular annual events like the Territorial Fair and the Frontier Fourth of July, but also special anniversary activities that are still in the planning stages.
"I'm just excited to be a part of it," Guajardo says. "I don't join a lot of boards. This is my first time. I'm glad to be a part of it and supporting the museum and what they do."
The Candlelight Gala is 6-11 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. Third St., Little Rock. Tickets are $200. Call (501) 324-9351 or visit historicarkansas.org.
High Profile on 11/01/2015