SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History announces its 2024 Shiloh Summer Series, titled Winding Through the Ozarks, which will feature a variety of family-friendly activities and events, including guided hikes at local parks and workshops.

The activities are tied to themes related to Shiloh's latest exhibits:

• Tracing the Threads: Weaving in the Arkansas Ozarks exhibit traces the history of handweaving in the Arkansas Ozarks over the past 200 years with a special emphasis on the importance of the Northwest Arkansas Handweavers Guild in supporting this craft tradition. 

• Ozark Tree Army: The CCC at Devil’s Den State Park exhibit features many photographs and select artifacts from the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps work at Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork.

Both on display through the end of the year.

Also, from May 15 through July 31, Shiloh will present On the Move with Shiloh. People are invited to explore natural landscapes and community spaces and share their experiences on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #shilohsummerseries. Then, come by the museum to receive a free sticker or magnet! The offline option of sharing an experience or memory to museum staff qualifies as well.

"We love getting a chance to invite the community to engage in multiple ways during the warm and more relaxed summer weather," says Angie Albright, museum director. "Instead of offering just one camp for a few days for only a few people, we can provide families opportunities to connect to us, each other, and lots of sites throughout our six-county service area."

Here are the events featured in this year’s Shiloh Summer Series:

MAY

Hike at Devil’s Den State Park

When: Friday May 3, 3-4p
Where: Large pavilion at Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, Winslow
Cost: free

Step back in time for a guided, quarter-mile historical hike to learn about the rich history of Devil’s Den State Park, established in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Join a knowledgeable park interpreter for a guided quarter-mile trail hike, exploring the CCC creations scattered throughout the park along the way. Then, participate in a CCC-themed scavenger hunt at the park's visitor center.

More details HERE.

Community Mural Workshop

When: May 25, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday
Where: Shiloh Museum of Ozark History grounds, 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale
Cost: free (registration required)

Local muralist Azalia Molina will lead a free mural workshop on the Shiloh Museum grounds for people ages 5 and older. Delve into a world of vibrant colors inspired by the lively atmosphere of Honduran artisan markets reflected in Molina’s mural designs.

Participants will have an opportunity to contribute to a community mural inspired by the historic work, Local Industries, created in the 1930s through a New Deal program by artist Natalie Henry, which is on display in Shiloh’s exhibit hall. Participants are encouraged to wear paint-friendly clothing. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.

More details HERE.

JUNE

Lake Leatherwood Guided CCC Hikes

When: June 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday 
Where: Lake Leatherwood City Park, Eureka Springs, 1303 Carroll County Road 204 (off of Route 62 West)
Cost: free (registration required)

Take a family-friendly journey through the trails of Lake Leatherwood in Eureka Springs. A knowledgeable park interpreter will guide hikers while sharing information on the park’s history about the significant role played by the Civilian Conservation Corps in Carroll County.

Limited to 20 participants per session, the hike will involve an exploration of Lake Leatherwood's natural beauty and historical CCC structures and landmarks. Participants are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy hiking shoes and bring bug repellent, sunscreen, hats, a sack lunch and plenty of water.

Find details and register for the morning and afternoon hikes HERE.

JULY

Pollinator Garden Workshop

When: July 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday
Where: Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale
Cost: free (registration required)

Shiloh Grounds Manager Marty Powers will lead a family-friendly, hands-on experience on how to plant a pollinator garden. Inspired by Shiloh’s photo exhibit, Ozark Tree Army: The CCC at Devil’s Den State Park, this event is part of the museum’s ongoing monarch conservation efforts.

Discover the importance of pollinator habitats while actively participating in soil preparation and planting a new garden on the museum grounds. Attendees will learn valuable gardening techniques and gain insights into creating a thriving habitat for pollinators. Each guest will take home a pollinator plant for their own garden.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required and limited to 25 participants. Guests younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Find details and register HERE.  

Weaving in the Ozarks Workshop

When: July 27, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ozark Folkways, 22733 N. U.S. Highway 71, Winslow
Cost: free (registration required)

Join the Shiloh Museum and Ozark Folkways in Winslow for a workshop that will introduce participants to the art of weaving. Attendees will learn basic weaving concepts, terminology, and techniques, including how to warp a frame loom to begin their weaving journey.

The class will also explore the rich history of weaving in the Ozarks, complementing Shiloh’s current exhibit, Tracing the Threads: Weaving in the Arkansas Ozarks.

The workshop, geared for people ages 8 and older, is limited to 20 participants. Register HERE.

MAY - JULY

On the Move with Shiloh

When: May 15 to July 31
Where: Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties

To participate in On the Move with Shiloh, visit any of these locations:

• The Razorback Greenway from Fayetteville to Bella Vista (paved areas only)

• Dogwood Springs Trail in Siloam Springs (paved areas only)

• Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in Benton, Carroll and Madison counties

• Lake Atalanta Trails in Rogers (paved areas only)

• Withrow Springs State Park in Madison County

• Lake Fayetteville Trails (paved areas only)

• Osage Park in Bentonville (paved areas only)

Learn more about One the Move with Shiloh HERE.

The 2024 Shiloh Summer Series is made possible through support from the Schmieding Foundation.

The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is a regional history museum that serves the public by providing resources for finding meaning, enjoyment, and inspiration in the exploration of the Arkansas Ozarks. Along with exhibits, visitors can explore seven historic buildings on the museum grounds. The museum also has a research library with a collection of more than 500,000 photographs of Ozark life. Located at 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is free. Learn more at ShilohMuseum.org or by calling (479) 750-8165.