TEXARKANA, Texas - The staff of Discovery Place Interactive Museum will host an in-person talk about the historic Orr School on Saturday with a 2 p.m. start at the Museum of Regional History.
The lecture-style talk will include insights into the Orr School's historical significance and successful strategies for preserving a building like this. Also included will be a discussion of individuals and groups who've contributed to its preservation. The event is free.
During February, the Texarkana Museums System aims to highlight Texarkana buildings that have a significance for the local African American community.
"This month each of the properties are going to take a look at some of the more historic buildings in the downtown area, so Discovery Place wanted to focus on one closer to kids so we picked the Orr School," said Burgandy Farris, Discovery Place manager. "We are going to be discussing why the Orr School is important to both Texarkana history as well as the African American community in Texarkana, tying that to Black History Month."
The Orr School's most significant historical connection is that ragtime great Scott Joplin, who grew up here, attended school at Orr. "It's actually the last standing building that we have in this area that Scott Joplin is connected to," Farris said.
Located at 831 Laurel St. on the Arkansas side of town, the Orr School, built around 1880 and covered in white shiplap with a hip roof and divided by a central hallway, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The nomination form for its inclusion on the register details some of the physical changes the school has seen over the years. Originally, this was a two-story structure.
"Despite the alterations, Orr School is an important historical structure. In excellent condition and on its original site, Orr School is representative of much black history," the nomination form reads.
About the building's significance, the nomination form states, "The Orr School in Texarkana, Arkansas, is a significant historical structure in its association with composer Scott Joplin, who is universally accepted as the 'Father of Ragtime Music.' Joplin was one of the most influential persons in the formation of twentieth century American music. Joplin attended Orr School and formulated many of his ideas there."
The talk will be arranged like a lecture. Farris will discuss the facts and what went into preserving the school.
"We'll spend a little time talking about how you go about preserving a building and what exactly you need to do to make that happen," Farris said.
Register in advance TexarkanaMuseums.org/Events. Although not required, advance registration is encouraged.
Discovery Place Interactive Museums is currently closed because of building renovations, but staff are presenting monthly events for children in the area. Upcoming events can be seen on their Facebook Page or at the website TexarkanaMuseums.org/Events.
(More info: 903-793-4831. The Museum of Regional History is located at 219 N. State Line Ave. in Texarkana, Texas.)