Reading Retreat Planned for Southern Tenant Farmers Museum

JONESBORO – A “Living Lyrics and Forgotten Feasts Reading Retreat” is planned for the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum (STFM) in Tyronza. The one-day event in July will focus on American music and food.  
 
The retreat, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States.

The two books include “Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation” by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw and “Twain’s Feast: Searching for America’s Lost Foods in the Footsteps of Samuel Clemens” by Andrew Beahrs.

“‘Songs of America’ by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw examines how music has shaped and reflected the story of the United States from the American Revolution to the present day,” said Will Reaves, director of STFM. “In ‘Twain’s Feast,’ Andrew Beahrs explores historic American foods and culinary traditions connected to Mark Twain.” 
 
Reaves said the books provide unique perspectives on American history through music and historic food traditions. Participants who register will receive copies of both books to read at their own pace.

The cost of the retreat is $60. Registration includes copies of the two books and lunch.  To register, visit bit.ly/STFM_RR_2026.

For more information, one may contact the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum at 870-487-2909 or email wreaves@AState.edu.

The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum is an Arkansas State University Heritage Site, located at 117 North Main Street in Tyronza.

Guided tours of the museum are available on the hour Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission prices are $5 for students, $8 for those 65 and up and members of the military, and $10 for adults.