WASHINGTON, Ark. – Historic Washington State Park is opening a new exhibit, Saying Goodbye: Funeral Traditions in 19th Century Washington, at the 1874 Courthouse Visitor Center on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 at 2 p.m. The exhibit will run until Sept. 16, 2023.

Throughout history, different generations and different cultures have maintained traditions regarding how they lay their loved ones to rest after they have died. This exhibit tells the story of the funeral rituals and beliefs about death held by 19th-century Washington residents and how those traditions created a sense of community and influenced future funeral traditions.

The Path Home, a special guided tour in coordination with the exhibit, will be available with the purchase of a tour ticket in October.

For additional information about the exhibit, contact Josh Williams at [email protected] or call 870-983-2684.

For more information about Historic Washington State Park visit HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com.

Historic Washington State Park

Historic Washington State Park, located in Washington, Arkansas, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Mondays. The park is a restoration village interpreting the historic Arkansas town in the 19th century. Daily tours are provided to over 15 historic sites and museums, such as the B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum and Blacksmith Shop. To learn more, visitHistoricWashingtonStatePark.com or call 870-983-2684.  

Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more. 

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Stacy Hurst serves as the cabinet secretary for the department.