Preserving the cultural and historical legacy of African Americans in Arkansas, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) honors the Mosaic Templars of America. Founded in Little Rock in 1833, the Mosaic Templars of America was a fraternal order started by two formerly enslaved people whose initial purpose was to provide insurance when those services weren’t available to Black people. Now housed on the original site of the Templars’ National Grand Temple, the MTCC serves as a hub for education, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
Learning Experiences
MTCC’s permanent exhibitions include interactive history displays and celebrations of African American history that promote active learning. Their 360-degree theater immerses students in a comprehensive view of history, enhancing engagement. The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame addresses the omission of Black history in American history teaching, honoring six new individuals each year in an expanding exhibit highlighting the arts, sports, education, and more. MTCC’s Children’s Gallery offers a vibrant, age-appropriate approach to history, inviting children ages zero to nine to celebrate diversity. Most permanent exhibitions include an online brochure, helping educators plan trips and prepare in advance.
Rotating exhibitions offer new experiences on every visit. Past exhibits have covered everything from the history of jazz to segregated schooling in the South. One current temporary exhibit focuses on America’s 250th anniversary and the contributions Black Arkansans have made over the decades. MTCC also offers a special program in concert with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Coinciding with their upcoming exhibit on Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley, this special educational program will blend history, art, and music to educate and inspire.
Student Tours & Programs
There are a variety of tour options and programs to best suit grade level and desired learning outcomes, helping educators and students feel valued and supported in their educational journey. Guided tours of the center last between 45 minutes and an hour and are open to Pre-K through 12th grade students. Their educational programming aims to enhance the student experience of the educational opportunities found here. All tours and programs are free but do require booking.
Off-Site Opportunities
For an at-school lesson, check out their off-site programs. These free programs provide educational speakers who travel to any school in Arkansas, presenting a unique education aligned with Arkansas Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks. Grades PK-5 can get an interactive lesson on famous musicians William Grant Still and Scott Joplin, as they learn about and interact with instruments. Grades K-5 can gain an architectural education as they explore the fundamentals of architecture, and then get hands-on with building their own structures. Grades 2-8 get sports history as they learn about famous African American baseball players, with a fun activity designing pennants or playing trivia. Grades 4-College learn about the Civil Rights Movement through the lens of buttons and their political meaning, designing their own wearable buttons at the end to inspire curiosity and a desire to learn more.
MTCC provides students with rich cultural and historical lessons surrounding the African American experience in Arkansas that you can’t find anywhere else. With exhibits and educational programming on a variety of topics, this is a great field trip destination for every grade level, fostering pride and a deeper connection to Arkansas’ unique history.
