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New Partnership highlights Polk County history

 

MILL SPRING— The Pea Ridge Partnership, which focuses on preserving and educating the cultural heritage of Pea Ridge and the surrounding areas, recently partnered with Tryon International Equestrian Center, the organization has announced. 

During PRP’s inaugural tour, initially scheduled for September but postponed due to Hurricane Helene, participants explored key historical sites, including the locations of the Rosenwald schools, various historical churches, plantations, and the new Green Creek Department, concluding with a visit to TIEC.

The tour was a tremendous success, selling out and attracting passionate participants, organizers said. PRP Founder Tanisha Akinloye led the tour alongside an esteemed elder from the community, Rev. Spencer Wilkins, who, at 81 years old, shared heartfelt insights and narratives. 

Last year, TIEC made a generous donation of $5,000 to the 501c3 nonprofit organization Empowering Through Beauty, which helped give rise to the Pea Ridge Partnership initiative. Akinloye, a proud Polk County native, founded Empowering Through Beauty in 2010 with the goal of uplifting women and girls by fostering good character, confidence, and a strong sense of community.

“I am incredibly excited about the partnership between PRP and the TIEC,” she said. “This collaboration not only allows us to showcase the rich history and culture of Polk County but also empowers our community to come together in celebration. With the TIEC included in the PRP tour agenda, we are creating a unique opportunity for people to learn, connect, and appreciate the beauty of our heritage in a meaningful way.”

The next tour dates are Thursday, December 5, at 1 p.m. and Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. PRP is dedicated to ensuring that these educational experiences are accessible to all and is actively seeking sponsors to support youth participation in the tours. All donations to the organization are tax-deductible.

For more information about the tours and sponsorship opportunities, visit pearidgepartnership.org or call (203) 767-9264.