A Journey Through Springdale: Hometown History Special was created to help people learn more about the history of Springdale while traveling through the city. Many people pass important places every day without knowing the stories behind them or how different groups of people helped shape the community. We wanted to create a fun and interactive way for students and community members to connect with local history. HTMS EAST collaborated with J O Kelly EAST throughout the year to complete the project.
To solve this problem, students created an interactive StoryMap focused on Ozark Regional Transit Routes 61 and 62. Using ArcGIS StoryMaps, Canva, photography, QR codes, maps, and historical research, students built a digital experience that guides users through important locations and stories in Springdale. The project was created in both English and Spanish so more people in the community could use it. This project filled the CART by allowing students to work on a real community need while practicing communication, teamwork, problem solving, and technology skills. Students researched local history, designed graphics, created maps, and worked with community partners to build something meaningful that others can learn from and enjoy. What makes this project unique is that it turns everyday bus routes into interactive history tours. Instead of only learning history in a classroom, users can explore stories connected to real places around them. The combination of transportation, technology, bilingual design, and student-created content makes the project different from a traditional history project.
Students worked with several community partners during this project. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History provided historical research support and photos. Ozark Regional Transit helped connect the project to Routes 61 and 62. Smithsonian Institution supported the project through the Democracy in Dialogue program. Students from J.O. Kelly Middle School also collaborated and shared ideas during the project. This project began during the 2025–2026 school year and continued through the spring semester. Students spent months researching, designing, writing, translating, and building the StoryMap experience, and we hope to continue adding more stories and locations in the future.