he Department of Arkansas Heritage is now accepting registration from all Arkansas educators for summer workshops. Offered at 10 different locations across the state from mid-June to late July, the free seminars will provide teachers K-12 with six inservice credit hours, two of which satisfy the requirement for Arkansas history.

The workshops, presented with this year's theme: "Politically Designated: Arkansas Symbols, Slogans and Landmarks," will focus on officially designated state symbols, slogans and landmarks as keys to Arkansas's heritage and identity. Participants will study how official designations highlight the uniqueness of an important event, location or person and how they help strengthen a sense of belonging and commitment among local residents. The interdisciplinary workshops will include presentations, hands-on activities and onsite tours.

The seminars are designed primarily for media specialists and teachers K-12 of the following subjects: social studies, science, language arts and gifted and talented. They will be presented by the education outreach coordinators from the Department of Arkansas Heritage and its seven agencies, including the Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the Delta Cultural Center, Historic Arkansas Museum, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and the Old State House Museum. Professional artists, writers and historians will also contribute to the programs.

Each workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations and dates:

Bradley County Courthouse, Warren June 12

Delta Cultural Center, Helena June 18

Janet Huckabee Nature Center, Barling June 24

St. Joe Community Center and Buffalo National River June 27

Old State House Museum, Little Rock June 30 and July 31

Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock July 15

Powhatan Historic State Park, Powhatan July 17

Arlington Hotel, Hot Springs July 22

Cossatot River State Park/Natural Area, Wickes July 25

Admission is free, but reservations are required. Lunch will not be provided. Class sizes are limited. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and, if attending workshops that include outdoor activities, sunscreen and a hat. Interested parties may register online at www.arkansasheritage.com by clicking on the "Politically Designated" icon. More information is available from Tammie Dillon at (501) 324-9346 or e-mail at tammie@arkansasheritage.org.