FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Blair Center of Southern Society and Politics and the Arkansas Center for Oral and Visual History at the University of Arkansas have become partners with the Washington County Historical Society to create "Congressional Careers, Arkansas Voters," a lecture series that will feature distinguished Arkansas politicians and UA scholars throughout the spring. The lectures are free and open to the public. Each will be followed by a discussion and refreshments.

"David Edwards, a former faculty member in history, launched the idea," said Jeannie Whayne, director of the Arkansas Center for Oral and Visual History. "Both he and I are board members of the Washington County Historical Society, and when we spoke with others about the idea, everyone was enthusiastic about the opportunity to honor some of our most accomplished politicians as well as highlight the important roles they have played in American history."

All lectures will be held at the Old Washington County Courthouse, 4 South College Avenue, in the third floor courtroom. The Historical Society chose the location in honor of the 100^th birthday of the historic building, which was built in 1904 and designed by Charles Thompson.

The schedule for the 2004 Lecture Series is as follows:

Monday, February 9 at 7 p.m.: "Viewing Congressional Behavior through Different Lenses"

Brinck Kerr, UA associate professor of political science

Monday, February 16 at 7 p.m: "Senator J. William Fulbright"

Randall Woods, John A. Cooper Professor of History, UA history department

Thursday, March 25 at 7 p.m: "Provincialism, Personalism, and Politics in Arkansas’ 2002 Senate Race"

Janine Perry, UA associate professor of political science

"Arkansas Congressmen through the Years: Reflection and Retrospection"

Friday, April 2 at 7 p.m: The Honorable Tim Hutchison

Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m: The Honorable Asa Hutchison

Friday, April 23 at 5 p.m: The Honorable Dale Bumpers

Date and time to be announced: The Honorable David Pryor