Through An Archival Lens: Arkansas Ozarks Culture
Study Group (2-3 session | Registration opens Tuesday, February 3, 2026 10:00 AM
For this course, participants can expect to learn about the history and culture of the Ozarks region through viewing primary source collections available for research in Special Collections at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Lauren Willette will guide participants in learning about local and regional history, culture, and folklore through short lectures, instruction in using archival materials, and handson experience with primary source materials. For each meeting, participants will meet in the Special Collections Classroom in Mullins Library to view materials from collections such as the University Folklore Collection created by Mary Celestia Parlor, the Otto Ernest Rayburn Papers, the Ozark Society Records, the Ozark Fair and Craft Association Records, and more.
Participants will receive a metered code to park in the Stadium Garage on campus for the class.
This program will meet in person at Mullins Library, Special Collections, located at 365 N. McIlroy Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen; please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Please review campus map that will be sent in class reminder for parking and meeting location.
Lauren Adams Willette
Lauren Willette has a Ph.D. in Heritage Studies from Arkansas State University. Willette works as Fieldwork Coordinator for Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts, a public folklore program serving the entire state. Willette’s scholarly research focuses on the culture, heritage, and history of the Ozark Mountain region and the state of Arkansas.