Joseph travels to Little Rock, Arkansas to explore the spirit, perseverance and determination of the people who have made the banks of the Arkansas River their home both past and present. From the indigenous Plum Bayou mound-builders to Spanish and French explorers to ground-breaking civil rights activists to a governor turned president, Joseph soaks in the rich history of this Southern city.

Hillcrest Farmers Market

Little Rock, Arkansas

Joseph’s first stop is the local farmers market, to get a taste of local life and meet some of the community. Joseph discovers the Hillcrest Farmers Market is full of people passionate to share their homegrown produce with others.

Porch Swing

Farms

Bigelow, Arkansas

Another Hillcrest Farmers Market staple is Porch Swing Farms, which sells pastured, humanely-raised pork and chicken. To learn more, Joseph travels to their farm and speaks with co-owner Holly Payne. Joseph marvels at the traditions she and her husband cherish at the farm, as they rear true heritage breeds, much like those that would have been found a hundred years ago.

The Historic

Arkansas

Museum

Little Rock, Arkansas

At the Historic Arkansas Museum, Joseph visits some of the original buildings preserved from the 1800s. He tries his hand at hammering a nail the old-fashioned way. He also explores their Native American gallery, which he learns was curated with the counsel of local tribal members.

Old State

House

Museum

Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock has long been the political heart of Arkansas. So Joseph visits the Old State House Museum, which preserves the original building of the 19th century House of Representatives. Joseph speaks with Daniel Cockrell, who encourages Joseph to walk through some of the building’s most famous spots, like the front porch where Bill Clinton stepped out in celebration of his presidential campaign and victories.

Arkansas State

Capitol

Little Rock, Arkansas

Having toured the original legislative building, Joseph visits the current Arkansas State Capitol. With white marble, pillars, skylights, and grand chambers, Joseph admires the sense of reverence that the building’s architecture seeks to inspire. Joseph takes a peek in the treasurer’s office, where gold and bonds were historically kept, and takes in the view form the top of the Captiol’s steps.

William J. Clinton

Presidential Library & Museum

Little Rock, Arkansas

Joseph visits the Clinton Presidential Library & Museum and marvels at their exact replica of the Oval Office. He speaks with Ann Kamps about how this museum exemplifies President Clinton’s slogan, “Building a Bridge to the 21st Century.”

Metro

Streetcar

Little Rock, Arkansas

Joseph takes in the views of the Arkansas River and downtown as he rides the Metro Streetcar to the Captial Hotel on one of the bright yellow, heritage streetcars.

Joseph finds another Little Rock must-see -- the Capital Hotel, a glamorous Southern-style hotel built almost 150 years ago. He speaks with David McWhorter about its historic significance as a frequent base for President Bill Clinton and his team. Joseph discovers its meaning for the community here, who embrace the iconic place for special occasions and celebrations.

Three Fold

Little Rock, Arkansas

Joseph discovers some of the Little Rock’s culinary surprises. He speaks with Lisa Zhang, owner and founder of the restaurant Three Fold. Over a bite of their famous dumplings, Joseph learns about how they’ve maintained a menu of authentic Chinese dishes, like their savory scallion pancake.

Mosaic Templars

Cultural Center

Little Rock, Arkansas

Joseph visits the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, which explores the history of African-Americans in Arkansas. Both a museum and cultural center, it began as a mutual aid society, and its name pays homage to the Mosaic Templars of America, a Black fraternal organization founded in 1883.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Joseph visits Little Rock Central High School and National Historic Site. He learns more about the history of the school and of the Little Rock Nine. Ranger Randy Dotson gives Joseph an emotional and passionate tour of the school grounds.

Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park

Scott, Arkansas

Joseph takes another tour into history at the Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park. Here, remnants of clay bowls were found from the Native Americans who lived here a thousand years ago. Joseph tours some of their ongoing archaeological work, before visiting the site to take a moment to sit and quietly reflect about all he has learned in Little Rock.

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Ron Hanks

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