The
Meat& Taters
The Remnants Project
Preserving the unique heritage of the Arkansas Ozarks and Buffalo River one story at a time.
Preserving the unique heritage of the Arkansas Ozarks and Buffalo River one story at a time.
Oral History Interviews
These video recorded visits generally take place in the home of the contributor. The set up is basic, only a tripod, iPhone and small microphone. Visits are non intrusive and the discussion is about general knowledge, nothing overly personal. Stories that were handed down are absolutely encouraged. “Way of life” and daily activities stories are a desirable line of discussion as our daily lives are changing quickly and the old ways are an important part of our history in this area. A scanner is also available if the contributor is willing to share family photos that enhance the story telling process.
Photo and Document Digitization
The digitization of family photos, documents and other scan-able material is a huge priority as it’s so delicate and easily destroyed or lost. Having a digital copy of your collection is a must in preservation. With three versatile scanners- scanning your collection is possible without destroying items. There’s an overhead scanner for items that cannot be manipulated into certain positions, like the bed of a traditional scanner. There’s a traditional scanner that has high DPI capability as well as the film negative and slide option that also works wonderfully on old photos that may be well worn. And finally a fast scanner for 35mm sized photos- basic quality for large collections of sturdy photos.
Genealogy Research
I am in no way a trained genealogist, but it’s a hobby that keeps my attention for long periods of time, if I’m not careful. If I am working on an oral history or photo preservation with an individual or family I often provide some details and research into their family history to help aid the process and honestly I just love helping folks connect to their family history.
Homestead Locations
Along the Buffalo River specifically from the upper Boxely area to Erbie is my general area. This is the stomping ground for most of my family on my maternal side, and where I grew up and still reside. Once the installation of the Buffalo National River was in place there were a number of home places that were burned, dozed and destroyed by the National Park Service. Some were saved and preserved, but finding the locations and the name of the families who made those places their home is important to me. I am actively trying to locate home sites and match them with the name or names of those who lived there. The goal is to complete an interactive map whereby someone searching could click on a location and a photo with information about the owner would appear. These families gave all they had to their land and the least we can do is remember them.
Local Interest Films
In 2022 Big Buffalo Golden Gals was created from footage of myself, Ranger Lauren Ray, my mother and four of her cousins ages range from 73-83, on a float trip down the Buffalo River in a yellow raft. It was one of the most incredible days of my life. “Our Little Movie”, as we call it, was accepted into the Rogers Short Film Festival and won best documentary. There are DVD copies of the film available.