The Marked Tree Delta Area Museum has been awarded a $17,000 grant by East Arkansas Planning and Development District. The grant will be used to fund a project to recreate and preserve the "Lost Communities" which once existed around Marked Tree.

"We are starting with nine communities. Northern Ohio, Joyland, Spear Lake, Trip Mill, Black Oak, Harrisburg Corner, Weona and Anderson Tully," said Soozi Williams, museum director. "Our goal is to preserve the memory of as many places, families and life traditions as we can. But we will need help and that is where the people who lived in these communities come in to tell the stories."

Williams said these communities are just the starting point in the preservation project. Others which will follow include, but are not limited to, Birdsong, Deckerville, Beasley, Buffalo Lick, Tulot.

"Most people think their life isn't interesting--but they're wrong." said Williams. "Without all the stories the history of our area will never be complete, everyone is important. It's like a large jigsaw puzzle, if one piece is missing you don't see the whole picture. So we're asking people from these communities to help us put this puzzle together so our grandchildren will know the whole story.

Those interested in being a part of the project should call the Marked Tree Delta Area Museum at 358-4998 or go by and talk to Williams so thier piece of the puzzle can be included.