Tucked away behind a quiet row of trees and unassuming railroad tracks lies an extraordinary treasure trove of Arkansas’s pioneer heritage. The Parker Pioneer Homestead, near Harrisburg, is home to an expansive private collection that vividly brings the past to life, and after a pause in 2020, the beloved Parker Homestead Festival is back this fall.
Parker Homestead Sign Welcoming Visitors to Explore Pioneer History
A 20-Year Journey of Collecting Arkansas Pioneer History
For over two decades, Teressa Parker and her family have generously opened their doors to the public, inviting everyone to explore one of the most remarkable private assemblages of pioneer-era buildings and artifacts in Arkansas. The Parker Pioneer Homestead collection has lovingly expanded over the years and now features a traditional church, a one-room schoolhouse, a sturdy barn, a working blacksmith shop, four authentic pioneer houses, a historic grist mill, a quaint post office, and countless fascinating artifacts meticulously gathered from across the state of Arkansas.
Parker Homestead Buildings Showcasing Pioneer Era Architecture
Much of the Parker family’s impressive collection originates from the Whitehall community, located just outside of Harrisburg, Arkansas. The homestead and the annual festival evolved organically, almost by chance, becoming a cherished repository of collective memory for the people of Whitehall and neighboring communities.
The genesis of this remarkable homestead began nearly 20 years ago when Parker’s husband decided to revive the time-honored tradition of sorghum making. Utilizing an antique mule-powered press and evaporator, he offered a public demonstration. To his surprise, nearly 200 people arrived, eager to witness this piece of living history.
Demonstration of Sorghum Making at Parker Pioneer Homestead Festival
Attendees were captivated by the sorghum demonstration and showed great interest in the small collection of antique farm tools displayed on the property. Requests for more events and opportunities to experience this history sparked the idea for the Parker Homestead Festival. Driven by public enthusiasm and a desire to preserve the past, the homestead gradually transformed into the phenomenal collection it is today.
Teressa Parker recounts that for many years, they added a new building to the homestead annually. Often, they would discover antique tools and historical memorabilia left anonymously on their doorstep, gifts from community members who recognized the value of preserving local history.
Vintage Train Car Display at Parker Pioneer Homestead Festival Grounds
The Parker family also received phone calls, frequently from older residents, informing them about items of historical significance that they wished to donate or share.
As the collection grew, so did the Parker Homestead Festival’s popularity and community involvement. The initial 200 attendees have since grown exponentially, with nearly 10,000 visitors now attending the celebrated two-weekend festival each year.
Parker Homestead Festival Display of Pioneer Artifacts and Tools
Experience Living History at the Parker Homestead Festival
Mark your calendars for October 9th-10th and October 16th-17th, when the Parker Pioneer Homestead Festival welcomes visitors to explore its unique buildings and extensive collections. Festival attendees can immerse themselves in living history demonstrations showcasing traditional crafts such as broom making, blacksmithing, corn milling, sorghum making, quilting, and much more. These engaging demonstrations are brought to life by talented local artisans, area farmers, and dedicated groups like the Northeast Arkansas Blacksmiths, ensuring an authentic and educational experience.
Live Music Performance Adding to the Festive Atmosphere at Parker Homestead
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to witness a vibrant living history demonstration of Arkansas’s pioneering past and lifestyle.
The Parker Homestead Festival, a true celebration of Arkansas heritage, will take place on October 9-10 and 16-17. Bring the entire family for a memorable day filled with history, delicious food, and engaging fun! Demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day. Festival hours are Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. Admission is $7, and children under five years old are admitted free of charge.
