The History & Future of the Woolsey Homestead
Class | Registration opens Tuesday, February 3, 2026 10:00 AM
Step back in time and explore one of Fayetteville’s last remaining original homesteads—the Woolsey Homestead, established in the 1840s. Guided by Britin Bostick, City of Fayetteville Long Range Planner, and Melissa Evans, Landscape Architect, Urban Forester, and Park Planner, this two-part course begins with an engaging illustrated lecture that introduces participants to early Fayetteville history, the landscape that sustained the Woolsey family farm, and the family’s lasting influence on the area. You’ll also discover what it takes to transform a historic homestead into a public park, including the visioning, planning, and restoration work involved.
In the second half, Britin and Melissa will lead a guided site visit to the Woolsey Homestead, where participants will tour the cabin, walk the grounds, and discuss ongoing restoration and park-planning efforts with City of Fayetteville staff.
Please note: the site includes uneven ground, a step into the cabin, and may have wet or muddy conditions. Parking onsite at Woosley Homestead (located at 629 Broyles Ave) for about 25 cars.
Activity Level: 1
This program will meet in person at OLLI Headquarters (HQ), located at 481 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. 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.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
OLLI HQ
Britin Bostick
Britin Bostick holds a Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning and Master of Public Affairs from the
University of Texas at Austin. Although she did not start in historic preservation, her career shift into city planning came
shortly after she fell in love with old buildings and the way historic sites connect us to our roots. Britin has managed the
City of Fayetteville's Long Range Planning Division (which includes historic preservation!) since 2022. Britin Bostick, AICP has worked in planning, design and construction for two decades and specializes in historic preservation. One of her most special projects is the transformation of the College Avenue corridor from a state highway to a place that people love.
Melissa Evans
Melissa Evans, ALSA, is a Landscape Architect, Urban Forester, and Park Planner for the City of Fayetteville. She brings a wealth of knowledge to her role designing and planning for great city parks, and a deep love for the city's trees. She joined the Woolsey project team near the completion of the house restoration as the focus began to shift to the stewardship of the landscape.