Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but as I get the story the study of Arkansas history isn't required in the state as part of a student's work to obtain a high school diploma. Nor is it required to obtain a degree from any of the state colleges or the University. Arkansas history isn't even offered as an alternative course for credit in most of our high schools.
Perhaps making the study of state history mandatory wouldn't be a widely popular or a proper step to take. But at least such study ought to be encouraged and I'm told that this isn't being done on anything like a broad scale. The question naturally arises, what good is the study of history anyhow?
People in the business of education and others with whom I've talked agree that better knowledge of our state's past--especially its accomplishments--would serve to instill a greater sense of pride in Arkansas among Arkansans. Goodness knows that has been needed for a long time.
Most of Arkansas's difficulties of today stem from conditions and actions--or lack of actions--of days gone by. Better knowledge of the past could well serve to guide Arkansas in the days to come. Study of our state's history also could bring greater appreciation by Arkansans of the possibilities which exist for progress. History will surely show that we haven't capitalized on our opportunities, and might help explain why. And if no other good reason existed for such study, nobody ought to grow up in our state ignorant of the colorful, dramatic, and significant events of the past.
