The project "History Passport: Reconnecting German Settlers and their Arkansas Neighbors," a joint endeavor by the German section of the U of A and Historic Cane Hill, has been selected as one of only 16 projects nationally to be funded and highlighted as part of the "Being Human Festival" of the National Humanities Center.

The story of Hermannsburg is a poignant example of the immigrant experience in 19th-century Arkansas. Having fled war-torn Germany in 1850, brothers Johann and Karl Hermann built a thriving community over 12 years, only to see it destroyed by the Civil War. On Dec. 21, 1862, as widespread fighting left the region in ruins, the Hermann families joined a Union supply convoy, abandoning their once-prosperous home.

The history of Hermannsburg, now Dutch Mills, is largely forgotten, but this program will reconnect the community with its German heritage. Attendees will experience the rich legacy of German settlers in Northwest Arkansas through banjo music by professional musician Clarke Buehling, readings from family diaries, language learning activities and hands-on experiences with German settler skills.

The event will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at both Cane Hill and Dutch Mills. It is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required and can be completed here.

This project is funded by a generous grant from the National Humanities Center and is further supported by Historic Cane Hill and the German section of the World Languages, Literatures and Culture Department.