Dyess, AR – Contributed – To honor America’s 250th anniversary, the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home will host a special exhibit from Monday, Aug. 3, through Wednesday, March 3. 

The museum is located at 110 Center Drive in Dyess. 

“The exhibit, ‘Ragged Old Flag: Johnny Cash and the American Experience,’ explores American history through the lens of Johnny Cash’s music,” said Will Reaves, director of the boyhood home.  

Reaves says there are many artifacts highlighted in this exhibit.  

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“Through lyrics, photographs, and historical context, visitors will experience how Johnny Cash’s music captured the complexities of loving one’s country while challenging it to live up to its highest ideals,” Reaves added. “The exhibit highlights how patriotism can be expressed not only through pride and tradition, but also through conscience, compassion and courage.” 

“Ragged Old Flag” invites visitors to reflect on what it means to be American and how music can tell our national story in ways history books alone cannot.  

Reaves said the exhibit has been curated not only by the staff of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, but also by two graduate students in the Heritage Studies program. 

“Their expert assistance highlights one of the many ways A-State’s heritage sites doctoral degree program enriches students’ academic experiences by providing valuable hands-on work opportunities,” he shared. 

He said the items included are from the permanent collection of the boyhood home, alongside several historic items on loan.  

“Visitors will have the opportunity to read an 1802 newspaper that mentions Paul Revere, examine the battle scars of a flag that flew during the Battle of Dutch Harbor, and connect with America’s heritage through a variety of other significant objects,” added Reaves. 

This exhibit is included in the regular admission price for the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home. Tickets are $20 per person. Seniors, members of the military with ID, and groups can get tickets for $15 per person. Students, ages 17 and under, are $10. K-12 student groups are $5 per person.

Admission is free for those with an A-State ID, children under five, and members of the museum.  

To learn more about visiting the museum, one may call 870-764-2274. 

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