Pictures of chickens, flowers, wheat, a boy looking through a magnifying glass, irrigation pipe, soybean pods, and fruits and vegetables.

Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council

Calendar

Contact Us

Major Focus

Forms

Handbook

History

Links

Meetings

Newsletters

Recipes

Secretary/Treasurer
Record Book

Service Projects

History of Arkansas Extension Homemakers

The Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council is a partner with the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas' adult education program in agriculture and family and consumer sciences. The Cooperative Extension Service is one of the three branches of the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences, and a cooperative undertaking between the Land-Grant University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is financed by federal, state, and county governments. Administrative offices are located on the campus of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and at 2301 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Extension Homemakers Clubs are the county organization through which adult education is made available under the leadership of County Extension Agents - Family and Consumer Sciences. Subject matter specialists in family and consumer sciences furnish county personnel with the best available scientific information relative to pertinent developments in their respective fields. Further guidance is given to the county Extension program by the Extension District Directors or Associate District Directors with responsibility for family and consumer sciences.

County Extension Homemakers Councils are the planning and executive units representing the State Council at the local level. Specifically, their purposes are to: (1) strengthen, develop, and support Extension programs which work toward raising standards for family and community life; (2) support 4-H club work as a vital part of the county Extension program; (3) develop leadership among persons who compose the Extension Homemakers groups; and (4) interpret and sponsor state and nationwide projects approved by the State Council and the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas.

Extension Homemakers work began in Arkansas in 1912. The first club in Arkansas – and possibly the first in the nation – was organized in Mabelvale in Pulaski County. In August, 1929, the State Council was organized by 125 women representing 27 counties while attending Farmers Week in Fayetteville. Mrs. E. L. Salyers of Pulaski County was elected President.

The organization has operated under several names. The original name, when the State Council organized in 1912, was the Home Demonstration Clubs. In 1966, the name was changed to Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council. At the Annual State Meeting on June 3, 1992, the name was changed to Arkansas Association for Family and Community Education. In September of 1994, members voted to withdraw from the national organization, and on September 26, 1995, they voted to change their name back to Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council, Inc.

Each name represents an important part of the organization's history, and each name is descriptive of the organization at that time. During the home demonstration era, the County Home Demonstration Agent traveled throughout the county and presented educational demonstrations in the various communities. Homemakers were seeking information that would help them primarily in the home. The major program focus was on food production, food preparation, and food preservation. Few women worked outside the home.

When, in 1966, the name was changed to the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council, Inc., the era reflected the importance of developing leaders in the organization. County Extension Agents - Family and Consumer Sciences were facing a transition in their role with the organization. Homemakers broadened their focus, and club members became more involved in the delivery of educational programs to their respective communities. Training leaders to extend educational information has been a positive force for helping families in Arkansas during this time.

In 1992, the name was changed to the Arkansas Association for Family and Community Education. The words “family,” “community,” and “education” described the organization. “Family” is the number one reason for our existence, “community” is our outreach, and “education” is how we reach the family and community. It is important to reach our families and our communities with current, needed information.

In September, 1994, members voted to withdraw from the national organization and return to the name Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council, Inc. They felt this better suited them. Regardless of the name, the mission of the organization remains the same. They continue to strengthen families.

The organization has hosted two national conventions – one in 1963 and one in 1994. Both were chaired by Frances Royston, Pulaski County.

State Leaders of the Extension Family and Consumer Sciences programs are as follows:

•  Emma Archer (1915-17)
•  Connie J. Bonslagel (1917-50)
•  Hazel C. Jordan (1951-69)
•  Dr. Ava D. Rodgers (1969-74)
•  Dr. Betty Jean Brannan (1975-86)
•  Dr. Diane F. Jones, acting (1986-88)
•  Dr. Betty Youngman (1988-93)
•  Eleanor Walls, interim (1993)
•  Dr. Diane F. Jones (1993-97)
•  Dr. Sarah Anderson (1997-2002)
•  Dr. Lynn Russell (2002-2007)
•  Dr. Anne R. Sortor (2007-Present) and Betty F. Oliver (2002-Present)

In January, 2002, the Arkansas FCS/AEHC Volunteer Coordinator, Betty F. Oliver, was appointed to work with AEHC.