Friends of HPMEC seek to be heard

At a Dec. 30 town hall meeting in Piggott, local residents heard sobering news concerning the continued funding of the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Education Center. The museum, owned and operated by Arkansas State University, is one of three museums operated off-campus by the university, along with facilities at Lake Village and Tyronza.

"I applaud (ASU president) Dr. Les Wyatt for efforts to maintain the museum program, but some feel its days are numbered," State Senator Robert Thompson of Paragould told the gathering. Thompson indicated that during the last legislative session the university had asked for $2 million in funds for the three museums, with the majority of the money earmarked for the local facility. That request was cut to $1.3 million, and Thompson noted some lawmakers felt the monies could be better spent elsewhere.

In response to the news, the staff and friends of the museum have started a campaign to inform the state's leadership how important the museum is to Piggott and the surrounding area.

"We have been informed that unless the Arkansas legislature provides funding, HPMEC will not have an operating budget after June 30, 2009," assistant director Dianna Sanders reported in a mass e-mail to supporters of the museum. "Please write, call or e-mail Arkansas legislators and Governor Beebe to let them know you support the programs provided by our museum and educational center. They need to know why it is important to the state, not just to Clay County, to fund HPMEC," she added.

Sanders pointed out the museum not only provides tours, but also sponsors educational events and presentations, along with workshops for students and teachers, on a regular basis, in addition to hosting drop-in visitors.

Sanders noted supporters of the museum need to make their voices heard in Little Rock. "You may go to www.Arkansas.gov/house/reps.php and click on your county to link to the email of your representative," she said. "You'll also need to go to www.Arkansas.gov/senate/senators.php to click on your county to link to the e-mail of your senator. If you are from another state, please choose Clay County and send your letter or e-mail of support to Mike Patterson and Robert Thompson or choose Craighead County (Jonesboro-ASU). Governor Mike Beebe's office address is State Capitol 250, Little Rock, Ark. 72201."

Sanders added those who are sending e-mails should be sure to put in the subject line: RE: Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center, Piggott, Ark.

Sanders added that those responding are asked to send a copy of their letter or e-mail to her for inclusion in a support file on HPMEC's behalf. The staff also would like to know of those who have called their legislators in reference to the matter.

Sanders can be reached at the museum at 870-598-3487 or by e-ail at drsanders@centurytel.net.

The issue is expected to be discussed in committee and later in the session will come to the floor for a vote. The legislative session got underway Monday in Little Rock.