What We Do
Events
The QQA hosts a variety of events throughout the year. In addition to our free Preservation Conversations educational events, we also host the Summer Suppers series (dinner at historic properties), the Spring Tour (Mother’s day weekend), and a Mid-Century Modern Tour (on a biennial basis). If you have questions about any of our events, please email qqa@quapaw.com or call 501-371-0075 ext. 3.
5H Club Meetings
History, Happy Hour, and Heavy hors d'oeuvres
These are member only events and typically limited to 25 guests. These are casual events that will focus on a specific topic, historic site, or collection of items. Meetings will start at 5:30 p.m. with a Happy Hour and selection of hors d'oeuvres before moving into a quick program for the night. 5H Club meetings are free to attend (with QQA Membership). 2024 5H Meetings have been generously supported and sponsored by Anita Davis.
Keep an eye out here! There is another 5H coming up soon and we can't wait to share with you where it is!
Preservation Conversations
These events focus on technical preservation and central Arkansas History. All Preservation Conversations are open to the public and free of charge, but RSVPs are required for attendance. These events will start at 5:30 p.m. with refreshements, before moving into an hour program with the guest speaker of the night.
MacArthur Park & Historic District Design Guidelines-REGISTER HERE.
What makes a historic neighborhood thrive? How do design guidelines protect the character we love while allowing for thoughtful growth and creativity? Join us for a free, community-focused evening where urban planners, preservationists, and neighbors will explore the purpose and power of historic district design guidelines and design overlays—spotlighting the MacArthur Park Historic District.
This special presentation will be led by Hannah Ratzlaff, Little Rock City Planning Manager and Co-Chair of the 60th Spring Tour of Homes, who will guide us through how these tools shape and support the character of our city's most historic neighborhoods. We’ll also demo the MacArthur Park Local Historic District interactive map viewer that makes it easier than ever to explore and understand local historic districts. Christina Aleman and Matt Pekar will be joing Hannah during the presentation.
- Enjoy FREE hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer during a casual reception at 5:30 PM
- Presentation and Q&A begin at 6:00 PM
The MacArthur Park Historic District Design Guidelines offer a critical framework for protecting the district’s architectural integrity while encouraging compatible growth.
This engaging event is presented in conjunction with our 60th Spring Tour of Homes: Art & Architecture, which takes place in the MacArthur Park neighborhood—the very neighborhood this conversation is all about. As one of Little Rock’s oldest and most architecturally significant areas, MacArthur Park is the perfect backdrop for a timely discussion on preservation, policy, and place.
Whether you're a homeowner, neighbor, history enthusiast, or just curious, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
Hannah Ratzlaff's early interest in history, people, and the built environment led her to a B.A. in History at John Brown University, Arkansas, and a postgraduate degree in Urban Strategies and Design at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Following her time abroad, she moved to Little Rock to work with downtowns across Arkansas as the Exterior Design Consultant with Main Street Arkansas. Today, Hannah gets to engage with her full skills and passions as the Urban Designer and Preservation Planner for the City of Little Rock.
Christina Aleman is the Chair of the Little Rock Historic District Commission. She is both a resident and historic property owner in the MacArthur Park Historic District, and she also owns historic properties in the Governor's Mansion Historic District. Christina has served on the Historic District Commission for five years, including a term as Vice Chair. She was also involved in the commission's adoption of the new MacArthur Park Historic District Design Guidelines.
Matt Pekar is the property owner of the historic Newby House at 1017 Cumberland, as well as the historic residences at 312 E. 11th Street. He has gone through the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process seven times and has successfully utilized historic tax credits to support his restoration projects, including the restoration of the Newby House--one of our Spring Tour Homes!
When: Tuesday, April 29th, 5:30-7:30
Where: The Mixing Room 1300 E 6th Street, Little Rock AR
Reception refreshments from Sterling Market!
Ticket Registration: Sign up for FREE here! RSVP requested.
60th Tour of Homes: MacArthur Park Historic District
For 60 years, the Spring Tour of Homes has brought together residents and visitors to explore the beauty and heritage of Little Rock’s historic neighborhoods. This beloved tradition not only showcases architectural treasures but also breathes life into historic places, revitalizes communities, and celebrates our shared history. Daytime tours will include exclusive access to Little Rock’s most notable historic homes, with expert docents sharing stories about their architecture and the preservation efforts that safeguard them. Artistic installations and performances will be integrated into historic spaces, highlighting the interplay between creativity and heritage. This area contains some of the city's finest surviving antebellum and late Victorian architecture, including a particularly large number of Second Empire houses. The MacArthur Park Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Date: May 10-11, 2025
Time: 10th: 1-5 p.m.
11th: 1-5 p.m.
Tickets for the Day time tours here.
Mother's Day Brunch
A festive and elegant dining experience at an architecturally significant venue, featuring live music and beautiful decor, perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day weekend.
Date: May 11, 2025
Time: 11am-1pm
Place: Curran Hall,
615 E Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202
Tickets for Mother's Day Brunch can be purchased here.
Candlelight Dinner
An enchanting evening tour of illuminated historic homes and architectural sites, spotlighting Little Rock’s preservation efforts in a magical setting. Ticket includes access to Daytime Tours, the Candlelight Tour, Champaign Stations, and the Candlelight Dinner
Date: May 10, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Place: ESSY (East Side Scrap Yard),
1416 E. 9th St., Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
Ticket for the Candelight Tour and Dinner can be purchased here.
ESSY, East Side Scrap Yard. New Venue opened by Bart Barlogie and Chris Tanner.