Football season in the South often evokes rivalry and the desire to best other teams on the field.  This rivalry isn’t always limited to on-field play.  On Saturday, October 12, the Texarkana Museums System will delve into the "rivalry" between Arkansas High School and the University of Arkansas regarding the coveted Razorback. 

According to the press release, Arkansas High School Alumni, Eddie Shuffield, 1963 Graduate and Dr. John Tennison, 1986 Valedictorian, will delve into the facts, fiction, and phenomena surrounding local ownership of the term “The Razorbacks” when they present Before They Were “The Razorbacks” at the P. J. Ahern Home from 2PM until 4PM.

Mr. Shuffield, born and raised in Texarkana, Arkansas, has had a passion for Texarkana History for over 25 years and has previously given presentations for organizations such as the Texarkana Genealogy Society, Retirement Centers, Quality Hill Neighborhood Associations, and boy scouts.  The material of all types pertaining to Texarkana history is his passion and forte. Shuffield will present evidence from AHS yearbooks and local papers which irrefutably demonstrates the timeline of Arkansas High School’s identification as “The Razorbacks.”

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Dr. Tennison, a 6th-generation descendant from a Texarkana "pioneer" family, continues the tradition of historical research carried out by his uncle, James Tennison and family friend, Wilbur Smith.  Previous areas of research have included the origin of Texarkana; ArkLaTex railroad history; Scott Joplin; Conlon Nancarrow; Lead Belly; and the Phantom Killings, including suspect, H. B. Tennison, a relative.  Tennison will expand the discussion to include multiple sources that have relevance to understanding “Razorbacks” as mascot, symbol, sports team name, and as a metaphor not only for AHS and U-of-A students, but for Arkansans as a whole.

Admission is $5 per person and benefits the Texarkana Museums System, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational organization that offers high-quality learning experiences focusing on history, science, art, and music. TMS is committed to the collection and conservation of materials relating to the human occupation of the region, to the preservation of the buildings it holds in trust for the people of the Four States Area, and to the enhancement of cultural opportunities and quality of life for all its residents. TMS is committed to maintaining professional and ethical excellence in all its operations and adheres to the standards set forth by the American Alliance of Museums.

Refreshments will be served.  As space is limited, reservations for this event are encouraged and can be made at TexarkanaMuseums.org/Events or by calling (903) 793-4831.

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