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Levon Helm’s boyhood home in Marvell has been nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally located in Turkey Scratch, the house has been moved to various locations in Monroe County before finally ending up in Marvell in 2017. The successful restoration of the house led to its opening as a museum in 2019, attracting more than 800 visitors from the U.S. and abroad.
The effort to nominate the house for inclusion on the National Register was led by Ann Ballard Bryan, who recently retired from her job as an instructor at the University of Central Arkansas, and Marvell Mayor Lee Guest. The nomination details the historic significance of the house and its association with Levon Helm, a prominent figure in the music industry. Born in Elaine in 1940, Helm was a member of The Band and an accomplished solo artist. He won Grammy awards for his albums “Dirt Farmer,” “Electric Dirt,” and “Ramble at the Ryman.”
Despite the challenges of moving the house from its original location, it was nominated for consideration by the National Register. In addition to its association with Helm, the house was nominated under Criterion B for its architectural significance.
The State Review Board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program recently voted to send the nomination to Washington, D.C. for consideration by the National Park Service. If approved, the house will join a list of other properties with significant historical and cultural value.
The nomination also highlighted the significance of Arkansas’ music heritage, urging the board to recognize the importance of preserving properties associated with influential musicians from the state. The nomination process is expected to be completed by the end of January, and it is hoped that the National Park Service will recognize the importance of including Levon Helm’s boyhood home on the National Register of Historic Places.
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