Hear the Declaration of Independence read, as was commonly done in the 19th century, at the 1874 Courthouse. Afterwards, sign your own "John Hancock" to a copy of the Declaration that you may take home. The readings will take place at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Learn how people of the 19th century used various herbs for medicinal purposes. This hands-on workshop will include how to properly harvest and preserve different herbs. Participants will also make a remedy of their own to take home. Admission is $25 per person. Register by calling the park at (870) 983-2684.

Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “An Evening of Jazz”. Enjoy an evening on the lawn of the 1874 Courthouse listening to live music from the past to the present. Bring your own lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, activities will be moved inside the 1874 Courthouse. What better way to spend a summer evening than music on the lawn, good food, and good friends? Jazz music has its roots in local spirituals and other type of songs from the 19th century. One local area musician named ScottJoplin of Texarkana influenced modern jazz music through his “ragtime” music. Join the community as they did in the past to enjoy evenings of great musical entertainment at Historic Washington State Park. Concert Lineup: June 21 – Majestic Jazz Band Majestic Jazz Band is a great local jazz band that has played in several local venues in Texarkana, Hope, and region. A group of talented musicians located in the Ark-La-Tex region that loved to share their love of jazz music. July 19 – William McNally William McNally is a ragtime enthusiast and performer of the music of Scott Joplin. McNally is the 2016 and 2017 champion of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest and the first three–time winner of its New Rag Contest. He has several recordings including Chickens ‘n’ Kittens: a Ragtime Coup, which follows his interest in modern and classically trained ragtime composers. Learn more at www.williammcnally.com. August 16 – 106th Army Arkansas National Guard Jazz Band 106th Army Arkansas National Guard Jazz Band is part of the Arkansas National Guard headquartered in North Little Rock, Ark. They perform at different venues around the state. Come and support our members of the Arkansas National Guard. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/106thArmyBand/.  Event is supported in part by City of Washington Tourism, Bobbie Arnold Atkinson Foundation, Tyson Foods, Farmers Bank and Trust, Washington Grace Cottage, Hempstead County Historical Society, and Historic Washington State Park.

Spend an evening wandering through the shadows and pondering history at Historic Washington State Park. This guided evening walk allows visitors to reflect on the past, as the intricacies of history, architecture, and the way of life and death are illuminated and explained. Each site visited will feature houses that have stood since the antebellum years. Reservations are required. Register by calling the park at (870) 983-2684. Admission is $15 per person.

Spend an evening wandering through the shadows and pondering history at Historic Washington State Park. This guided evening walk allows visitors to reflect on the past, as the intricacies of history, architecture, and the way of life and death are illuminated and explained. Each site visited will feature houses that have stood since the antebellum years. Reservations are required. Admission is $15 per person. Register by calling the park at (870) 983-2684.

Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “An Evening of Jazz”. Enjoy an evening on the lawn of the 1874 Courthouse listening to live music from the past to the present. Bring your own lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, activities will be moved inside the 1874 Courthouse. What better way to spend a summer evening than music on the lawn, good food, and good friends? Jazz music has its roots in local spirituals and other type of songs from the 19th century. One local area musician named ScottJoplin of Texarkana influenced modern jazz music through his “ragtime” music. Join the community as they did in the past to enjoy evenings of great musical entertainment at Historic Washington State Park. Concert Lineup: June 21 – Majestic Jazz Band Majestic Jazz Band is a great local jazz band that has played in several local venues in Texarkana, Hope, and region. A group of talented musicians located in the Ark-La-Tex region that loved to share their love of jazz music. July 19 – William McNally William McNally is a ragtime enthusiast and performer of the music of Scott Joplin. McNally is the 2016 and 2017 champion of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest and the first three–time winner of its New Rag Contest. He has several recordings including Chickens ‘n’ Kittens: a Ragtime Coup, which follows his interest in modern and classically trained ragtime composers. Learn more at www.williammcnally.com. August 16 – 106th Army Arkansas National Guard Jazz Band 106th Army Arkansas National Guard Jazz Band is part of the Arkansas National Guard headquartered in North Little Rock, Ark. They perform at different venues around the state. Come and support our members of the Arkansas National Guard. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/106thArmyBand/.  Event is supported in part by City of Washington Tourism, Bobbie Arnold Atkinson Foundation, Tyson Foods, Farmers Bank and Trust, Washington Grace Cottage, Hempstead County Historical Society, and Historic Washington State Park.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to sit in a courtroom over 150 years ago? Now’s your chance! Join us for a unique re-enactment of a Washington, Arkansas, court case from 1856: Illness and Influence: The Battle Over Joseph Crosby's Estate. This trial captivated the people of Washington and highlighted the skill and tradition of its legal practitioners, contributing to the town’s rich legal history throughout the 19th century.The evening will begin with a meal at Williams Tavern Restaurant and then you will proceed to the trial drama. Reservations are required. Guests will be seated family-style with other guests. Admission is $35 per person. Register by calling the park at (870) 983-2684.

Take a deep look at the importance of how to harvest and store seeds properly. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn harvesting, drying, and storage techniques to preserve their seeds for future use. Admission is $25 per person. Register by calling the park at (870) 983-2684.

EDC Annual Luncheon. Free of cost. Anna Powell or Brandi Tuttle

Join the park blacksmiths and the Four State Iron Munchers blacksmithing club for our Junior Apprentice Day at Historic Washington State Park! Participants of all ages will be able to work with and learn from various smiths as they work on projects on forges set up adjacent to the James Black Shop! This is a come and go event. Admission is FREE. Register by calling the park at (870) 983-2684.

Today our interpretive staff will provide a special experience for homeschool groups. Students will experience Frontier Days as the 19th century pioneers would have experienced it. Programming will be designed to correlate with state curriculum requirements. Sign up early for this hands-on adventure! Contact the park for further details and reservations at (870) 983-2684. Admission is $5.50 per person (ages 3 and up).

Learn about the early settlement of the area in the 1820s and 1830s and hear about the beginning of the town of Washington. Take a tour of town and discover what some of the early settlers here brought to southwest Arkansas. For more information, contact the park at (870) 983-2684. Regular tour price for admission.

Dance experience is not required for this fun evening of dance and fellowship! Join the staff of Historic Washington State Park for an exciting class that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Throughout history, dance has been not only an art form but also a way to socialize and make new friends. Come alone or with a partner and you will leave with new friends and new knowledge of dances such as the Virginia Reel and many more. Refreshments will be served, and fun will be had by all. Casual dress or period dress as you like. Admission is $15 per individual and $25 per couple. Register by calling the park at (870) 983-2684.

Taste of Hope Goes Main Street“Oh the Places We Will Go”With a Dr Seuss theme, attendees will be able to enjoy “all things Seuss.” This night provides an opportunity to showcase our local restaurants & eateries! The evening will be filled with games, activities, music, fund-a-project, LIVE auction, and much, much more! Join us as we celebrate downtown revitalization & historic preservation!