Arkansas Trail of Tears Association (ARTOTA)
The Trail of Tears Association (TOTA) is a nonprofit support network for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Designated as a national historic trail by Congress in 1987, the Trail commemorates the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their homelands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in 1838-1839. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail is part of the National Trails System, which includes legislatively-designated recreation, scenic, and historic trails.
While administered by the National Park Service, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail depends on partnerships with federal, state and local agencies, private landowners, and interested individuals such as the TOTA volunteers.
Nine states have TOTA chapters: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
The Arkansas Chapter is working to commemorate the land and water removal routes not only of the Cherokees, but also of the Chickasaws, Choctaws, Muscogee Creeks and Seminoles, as they passed through Arkansas on their way to Indian Territory.
What's new:
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGMark your calendar for the ARTOTA annual membership meeting and program at the Fayetteville Town Center, Saturday, September 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The program theme is "We Remember." ARTOTA president John McLarty and ARTOTA vice president Glenn Jones have lined up an impressive schedule of events for the day: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND LUNCH 1:00–3:15 p.m. PUBLIC PROGRAM 1:05 p.m. National Park Service Trail of Tears Video 1:30 p.m. Cherokee National Youth Choir 2:30 p.m. "Remember the Removal Bike Ride" 2:50 p.m. "Why We Remember" The Fayetteville Town Center is located on the south side of the historic downtown square. The Town Center parking garage is FREE on Saturdays. Entry to the garage is on the east side of the building. Come early and enjoy the Fayetteville Farmers Market!
ELECTION OF OFFICERSWe will elect officers at the September 11 membership meeting. As stated in our bylaws, the current board acts as the nominating committee. As of now, here is the slate the nominating committee will present (all have agreed to serve). Vice President and National Board Representative – Glenn Jones (Two years for VP, still has two years as National Board) Secretary – Susan Young (Two years) Treasurer/Grant Coordinator – Nancy Feroe ( Two years) Project/Research Coordinator – Carolyn Kent (Two years) If you would like to nominate others for any of the above positions, please contact ARTOTA president John McLarty at jmclarty @ nwarpc.org by Monday, August 16. Nominations will also be taken from the floor at the business meeting. NATIONAL TRAIL OF TEARS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE Arkansas Chapter Trail of Tears Association Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. |