Students from Carol Grimes' social studies class at Bob Courtway Middle School took part in "How We Govern," a two-day history conference hosted by the Faulkner County Museum on Tuesday.
"I think they help to reinforce what we've learned about government and politics because we really get to meet people who are involved and we get to see artifacts from the period. Just reinforces what we've learned in the class," Grimes said.
Students toured County Government offices, the Faulkner County Jail, participated in a mock election (based on the preferential primary going on right now) and participated in a political scavenger hunt. Students also heard presentations from Faulkner County Judge Preston Scroggin, County Clerk Melinda Reynolds, Sheriff Karl Byrd and others.
In addition, students toured the Faulkner County Museum and heard presentations from historical re-enactors Ian Beard from the Old State House Museum portraying George W. Donaghey and Billy Nations of the Washington Historic State Park portraying James Pendleton Jet.
When asked what was their favorite part of the day, students Brittany Pope and Marie Thomas, in unison, answered, "the scavenger hunt!"
"I liked the railroad exhibit," Hunter White said. Adrian Beqiri added, "I liked the paintings. My grandpa used to tell me about certain people and I didn't know that they were famous."
Director of the Faulkner County Lynita Langley-Ware said that the two-day program was held as part of Arkansas Heritage Month and that the museum has teamed up with Bob Courtway Middle School in the past.
"It has gone amazingly well today. We have coordinated with five county offices and the city government, and everyone has just been wonderful to help us and willing to talk and share their knowledge," Langley-Ware said on Tuesday. "We are blessed, we are just doing great."
Shirley Pratt, a volunteer at the Faulkner County Museum who lead tours at the museum on Tuesday added that the kids were awesome.
The Department of Arkansas Heritage celebrates the state's history and culture during Arkansas Heritage month each May. This year's heritage month's theme is "Arkansas Political Heritage: The People Rule."
(Staff writer Monica Hooper can be reached by e-mail at monica.hooper@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1266. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
