The Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures from the U of A will be showcasing their latest research project on early migration to the state of Arkansas at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at the Tontitown City Hall.
In collaboration with the Italian Program, the department has been working with the Tontitown Historical Museum since 2019 to celebrate early migration into the state of Arkansas. Professors Ryan Calabretta-Sajder (Italian), Kathleen Condray (German) and Linda Jones (French & the Quapaw Nation) embarked on a research journey together starting in spring 2019, considering how best to recreate the past for future generations.
The team won an Arkansas Humanities Council Grant to work on “Mapping Unheard Migrant Voices in Arkansas,” an interactive Digital Humanities website that delves into this rich history while simultaneously educating visitors about the cultural experiences that have remained critical for each group’s footprint in Arkansas. The project covers the historical and cultural significance of French, German, Italian and Quapaw people.
The event will begin with a presentation by Alessandro Palazzuoli-Bevilacqua, an Italian major who is completing his internship with the Tontitown Historical Museum. He is the first Italian student to officially complete an internship in the U.S. with the Italian Program and has been collaborating on a new exhibit at the museum.
Parking is available onsite at Tontitown City Hall located at 235 Henri De Tonti Blvd. Visitors are encouraged to use the main entrance to City Hall rather than entrances to police department or museum. The event is free and open to all members of public
