Lakeport Plantation Museum Hosts Reading Retreat in April

JONESBORO – A “Living Lyrics and Forgotten Feasts Reading Retreat” is planned for Lakeport Plantation Museum (LPM) next month. The one-day event will focus on American music and food. 
 
The retreat, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States.  

The two books include “Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a  Nation” by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw and “Twain’s Feast: Searching for America’s Lost Foods in the Footsteps of Samuel Clemens” by Andrew Beahrs.  
 
“In ‘Songs of America,’ Meacham and McGraw explore the musical legacy of the history of the United States from the American Revolution through today,” said Ruth O’Loughlin, director of LPM. “Beahrs discovers forgotten American dishes beloved by Mark Twain in ‘Twain’s Feast.’” 
 
O’Loughlin said these books offer a musical and historic foodways view of the U.S. Upon registration, participants will receive copies of both books to read at their convenience.  

The cost of the retreat is $60. Registration includes copies of the two books and lunch.  To register, visit bit.ly/LPRR26. 
 
For those who cannot make it to the event in April, there will be another opportunity at Southern Tenant Farmers Museum in Tyronza on Saturday, July 11. For more information, one may contact Lakeport Plantation Museum at 870-265-6031 or email roloughlin@AState.edu. 

The Lakeport Plantation Museum is an Arkansas State University Heritage Site. Constructed in 1859, Lakeport is one of Arkansas's premier historic structures and retains many of its original finishes and architectural details. 

Lakeport Plantation Museum is located at 601 Highway 142 in Lake Village.  Guided tours of the home are available on the hour Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and self-guided tours are available on the same dates from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.