GROWING FAMILIES

Welcoming New Life in Arkansas

What does it mean to welcome a new life into the world?

For generations of Arkansas families, pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn were experiences shaped by family traditions, community support, and the knowledge of mothers and midwives. Long before modern hospitals and home pregnancy tests, families relied on local wisdom, rural maternity homes, and dedicated caregivers to navigate life's earliest milestones.

This exhibit explores the journey from expecting a child to welcoming a newborn. Through photographs, artifacts, and personal stories, visitors will discover how Arkansas families prepared for birth, cared for infants, documented new arrivals, and celebrated the growth of their families.

EXHIBIT OPENING

October 24 | 10 a.m. – Noon

• Presentation by Stephanie Saunders, Lyon College professor and author of Covered Buttons

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony

• Explore the new exhibit

• Light refreshments

• Admission $5

Explore:

• The history of pregnancy and childbirth in Arkansas
• Traditional midwives and "granny women"
• The Stork Inn of Pleasant Plains
• Birth certificates and baby footprints
• Maternity clothing and community support traditions
• Historic photographs, artifacts, and family stories

Whether you are interested in local history, family genealogy, healthcare history, or simply curious about how Arkansas families welcomed new life through the generations, this exhibit offers a unique look at one of life's most meaningful journeys.

Come discover the story of birth, babies, and family life in Arkansas.