The Bill & Sharon Arnold Family Foundation announced today an upcoming event to coincide with the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial celebration, a series of statewide events and activities that support local commemorations of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War between 2011 and 2015. The sanctioned event, entitled "A Commemoration of the Pivotal Role that DeValls Bluff Played in the Civil War", will begin at 9 a.m. on April 23rd at the Prairie County Community Center (formerly DeValls Bluff High School auditorium) in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas at 710 East Sycamore Street and will last until 3 p.m. The city of DeValls Bluff is located just 50 miles east of Little Rock on Highway 70.

In commemoration and celebration of DeValls Bluff’s strategic role in the War Between the States, several expert speakers regarding local and regional Civil War history have been selected to speak on the critical role that DeValls Bluff played during the Civil War in Arkansas. Also among the day’s events is the dedication of five Civil War markers that will forever emphasize DeValls Bluff’s significance during the war and the opportunity to view Civil War relics courtesy of the AR Treasure Hunters Club.

The emcee will be Grant Merrill, the voice behind Arkansas Sportswatch.com and the founder of Southern Media Partners, LLC. Guest speakers include Mark Christ, Community Outreach Director for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Judge Jim Rhodes, III, State Senator Eddie Joe Williams, State Representative Tiffany Rogers, Vanessa McKuin, and Executive Dir. of The Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, and Hank Browne, owner of Hank’s Fine Furniture.

Miss Ellen Lewis, aka “Miss Ellie”, a professional historical re-enactor, will give a stunning and vivid presentation in period dress entitled “For Weal or Woe ~ Women’s Influence on the War Between the States”. This presentation takes a candid look into the surprising roles that women played during the war. Miss Ellie, will be accompanied by her husband, 1st Sergeant Lewis, who will discuss the different flags used during the war and the confusion and mayhem that resulted from the usage of various flags.

Other indoor presentations include a beautiful Civil War era chapel service featuring period gospel singing conducted by Rev. Rick Meadows, Editor of The Civil War Roundtable of Arkansas and President of the Grand Prairie Civil War Roundtable. Richard Spilman of the Lower White River Museum will lead a discussion entitled “Lifestyles of the Civil War Soldier” and The Prairie Piecemakers Quilt Club will take a fascinating look at the connection between quilting and the Underground Railroad. Other outdoor activities include cannon fire by crews in period dress and the chance to learn how to play 19th century cricket taught by historian Tom Melville, the author of “The Tented Field: A History of Cricket in America”. Children will have the opportunity to fire a musket, learn how to march as a Civil War soldier and dress up in Civil War uniforms.

Admission is Free and a complimentary lunch will also be served to the first 200 individuals who RSVP to Stacy Sawyer at 870-659-5652 or email her at vesper7272@yahoo.com. If you would like to attend and are not interested in the complimentary lunch, no RSVP is required. Come enjoy a stunning and surprising look of the rich history of DeValls Bluff!

The Arnold Family Foundation was the recent recipient of one of five grants awarded by The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission for projects that will commemorate the Civil War in the State. For more information and a schedule of this and other Arkansas Civil War