Former U.S. Senator and Arkansas Governor David Pryor sit down with John Paul Hammerschmidt to discuss his years as a congressman during the administrations of six presidents – from 1967 to 1993. Hammerschmidt was born in 1922 in Harrison, Arkansas and started his professional career working as the third generation in the Hammerschmidt Lumber Company. In 1942 Hammerschmidt enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a highly decorated World War II combat pilot before returning home in 1945. Hammerschmidt was the original sponsor of congressional authorization for a national Vietnam Veterans Memorial to be located in Washington, D.C. He was also the author and initiating sponsor of the legislation which preserved the Buffalo River as a free-flowing stream, designating it as America’s first national river.

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

John Paul Hammerschmidt: May 4, 1922 - April 1, 2015

Disclaimer: Segments in this course may contain content inappropriate for some students. Viewer discretion is advised. 

Born in 1925 in Conway, Gene L. Hatfield is one of the state's most prolific artists, with paintings and sculptures numbering in the thousands. His work is most closely compared to that of the post-impressionist masters. A true Renaissance man, Hatfield has tested his hand in nearly every form of artistic expression—acting, writing, song, dance, painting and sculpture—and continues to challenge preconceived ideas of what is and is not art. In this documentary, narrated by Nicole and Gene Hatfield's daughter, Mathilda Hatfield, and featuring interviews with the artist himself, viewers get an intimate portrayal of one of Arkansas' renowned men of letters.                             

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

Gene L. Hatfield, 1921-2017

Most people in Arkansas would recognize Jane Krutz as the face or "voice" of AETN from her regular appearances during the network's pledge drives. But in an interview with David Pryor, "Miss Jane" reveals herself as more than an advocate for PBS, but a woman who has devoted her life to volunteer efforts across the state. In this episode of Men and Women of Distinction, join us as we take a closer look at a woman whose indomitable spirit has enriched the lives of all Arkansans.

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

Jane Krutz 1925-2012

Francis McBeth was an internationally recognized composer and conductor who began his career in 1957 as professor of music at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. After retiring in 1996, McBeth began touring the world, conducting in forty-eight states plus Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada. His works totaled more than 100 compositions for orchestra, band, choral piano, organ, voice, and chamber performances. He is credited for making the symphony more appealing to the greater populous by sparking an interest in classical music in the average person.

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

William Francis McBeth 1933 - 2012

Sid McMath was born in Columbia County, Arkansas on June 14, 1912. He attended law school at the University of Arkansas and served thirty-six years with the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving in WWII he became active in Hot Springs politics to fight the corruption in local government. He served two terms as Arkansas’s thirty-fourth governor from 1949-1953, which was a time of remarkable change in Arkansas. He continued to fight for a better life for all Arkansans in the years following his governorship.

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

Sidney Sanders McMath 1912-2003

A little girl forced from her African home by a violent coup, Korto Momolu held firm to her dreams and rose to the top of high fashion. She first burst onto the scene with two appearances on the reality series Project Runway and never looked back, becoming a fixture at New York's fashion week and building on her desire to make couture available to all women. Far from the bright lights, Korto now knows that home is where the heart is -- and her heart is here in Arkansas.

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

Disclaimer: The course contains video footage that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Former U.S. Senator and Arkansas Governor David Pryor is interviewed by Roy Reed and Ernie Dumas to discuss his childhood in Camden, his years as a state representative, his years in Congress, and his race against Sen. John L. McClellan in 1972. He also talks about his two terms as governor of Arkansas and his 1978 race for the Senate.

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

Amateur boxing's Ray Rodgers has a wit as sharp as any jab, and his one-liners come at you in combinations. His disarming humor and no-nonsense approach have taken him from amateur boxer to coach to the top leadership posts in a sport to which he's dedicated more than seventy years of service. His skills as a "cutman" are legendary, and he's worked the corners of some of professional boxing's greatest champions. His most enduring legacy, however, is his tireless commitment to the countless young people he has mentored away from the streets and toward a better life through education.

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

The general public might remember Miller Williams as the man who delivered the inaugural poem at Bill Clinton's second inauguration; however, this Arkansas poet has secured literary stature far beyond this accomplishment. According to one critic who noted Williams' gritty, plain-spoken style he is described as the “Hank Williams of American poetry,” with poetry that is “read and understood by squirrel hunters and taxi drivers.” In this documentary, hosted by Ernie Dumas and featuring a one-on-one interview with Miller, viewers get an up-close and personal look at one of America’s great contemporary poets.

Based on the Arkansas PBS series Men and Women of Distinction, each course features an Arkansan whose life has had a profound effect on the development of the state, the character of its people, or its image beyond our borders. By highlighting these men and women, the series allows history to be told by the voices of those who lived it. This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by Act 969 of 2013.

Miller Williams, 1930-2015

This course features an interactive virtual tour of the Clinton Presidential Library. View the library’s various features while clicking through 360˚ panoramic images of its permanent exhibits, including replicas of several rooms within the White House as they appeared during the Clinton Administration.

While navigating through the virtual tour of the library’s features the viewer is provided information regarding presidential libraries in general, including information regarding the formation of the first presidential library and facts about other presidential libraries and the types of exhibits, events, and celebrations that they typically host.