History History Works

History Works is a multidisciplinary experience in local history for West Plains area students. More than 300 fourth graders visited the Harlin Museum in West Plains on Nov. 1-3, 2006 for field trips based on the Lennis Broadfoot collection of drawings of pioneer life. In addition, students are exploring historical documents relating to Colonel Jay Torrey and Fruitville Farms in classroom work.

Students explored the Broadfoot drawings as both art and historical documentation of the working life of the Ozarks. The Harlin's collection of tools, along with live demonstrations of their use, brought the Broadfoot portraits and stories to life. Costumed actors played three of the Broadfoot characters and Broadfoot himself:
Henry Boxx, Board Maker, played by Colin Collins.
John Wilkins, Bee Hunter, Dealer in Dogs and Guns, played by Al Rose.
Miss Nancy Ann Rasor, played by Marideth Sisco.
Lennis L. Broadfoot, played by Jem Duffin.

During the visit, students met and talked with the actors representing the artist and two of his characters. They tried their hand at riving shingles, shelling corn, and drawing with charcoal. They studied pioneer tools and how they worked, and spent time with a trapper.

Our goal is for the young people to experience the portraits both as art and as historical documents. The students are not just viewers; they are active learners.

Thank you from the Harlin Museum Board
The Harlin Museum Board believes that the collection of art by Lennis L. Broadfoot is a valuable historic resource for the whole community. We were delighted to have Bryant Watershed recognize this resource and so effectively tap into it with a program that was both fun and educational. Our thanks to Bryant Watershed Education Project, especially Lois Reborne, for putting together the History Works program, and we look forward to partnering with you in the future.

Kathy Wofford,
Harlin Museum Board President

History Works is supported by a generous private gift and a cadre of community volunteers. Collaborating groups include the Harlin Museum, Bryant Watershed Education Project, and the West Plains Council on the Arts.

This is the Web site of the Bryant Watershed Education Project, based in West Plains, Missouri. Our site is a toolkit for exploring the Bryant Creek, North Fork, Eleven Point and Upper Spring watersheds in the southern Missouri Ozarks.
Learn more.