The Garland County Historical Society will present "True Believers: How an Unshakable Faith Led to an Uncommon Future for Six Catholic Nuns," a program by Susan Van Dusen, at noon Tuesday at the Garland County Library.
The public is welcome to attend.
"Since 1908, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity and Refuge (also known as the Sisters of the Good Shepherd) have nourished souls, educated children, comforted refugees, and served as faithful, contributing members of the Hot Springs community. Their convent on Malvern Avenue is both a familiar landmark and a testament to the many programs and services they have provided through the years. Most people, however, are not familiar with the sisters themselves," the society said in a news release.
"How did this group of women, many from Canada, come to settle in Hot Springs and form a family devoted to God and their community? And what happened in 2007 that led six of the sisters to leave the Catholic Church and choose a different path? This previously untold story offers a glimpse into a unique and inspiring group of women that has impacted Hot Springs' history for decades and continues to make a difference today," the release said.
Van Dusen, a Hot Springs native, has worked as a writer and editor for more than 20 years. Her articles, headlines, and public relations work have been recognized by the Parenting Publications of America, International Association of Business Communicators, and Public Relations Society of America, among others. She holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts from Austin College and a master's degree in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she also earned a graduate certificate in Online Writing Instruction, according to the release.
The Garland County Historical Society provides monthly programs, publications, a website, a Facebook page, and other activities related to the county's history. It assists researchers Monday through Friday at its archives building at 321 Quapaw.
Society on 03/17/2019