Hot Springs for Health: Then & Now

What: Hot Springs for Health: Then & Now
When: 2/21/23 @ 12pm
Where: Hybrid. In-person at Garland County Library or Virtual Livestream at facebook.com/garlandcountylibrary or youtube.com/user/GarlandCoLibrary
Who: 18+
No registration required

This program is sponsored by the Garland County Historical Society in collaboration with the Garland County Library.

This program explores the evolution of public health at Hot Springs National Park from the late 1800s through present day. Since the early European discovery of geothermal springs in central Arkansas, people have been intrigued by alleged healing properties of the water. Even before the formal bathhouse and spa era, Hot Springs developed into a health and wellness destination. The growing city drew people from all over the country, particularly those who ailed with nowhere else to turn. As time progressed into the 20th century, Hot Springs transformed from a medical last resort to a health and leisure paradise. Despite the fall of the medical bathing industry and the closure of most of city’s bathhouses in the mid-1900s, Hot Springs National Park remains a health and wellness destination in varying and interesting ways.

Guest speaker Kendra Barat serves as the Volunteer Coordinator and Social Media Manager for Hot Springs National Park. Currently in her 7th year with the National Park Service, she has previously worked with the Office of Public Health and the Office of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation.