Settlers Cabin
Donations are still being sought to help pay for the old "Settlers Cabin" which has been donated to the museum. With winter settling it, we anticipate it will be spring before the cabin is moved, but we are still quite excited about this project. If you are interested in helping, please drop off or send to the museum your donation, or go online to https://www.gofundme.com/cabinfever. Any donor of $100 or more will have their name inscribed on a plaque to hang inside the cabin.
Fay Jones exhibit
Time is winding down to see our exhibit of Fay Jones' architecture, on loan from the Old Statehouse Museum in Little Rock through the end of this year. Jones was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and was given credit by Moshie Safdie for ideas that influenced Safdie's architectural design of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. Jones designed the Bella Vista Country Club, which opened in 1968, and Bella Vista's Cooper Chapel, which opened in 1988.
Museum Gift Shop
We have been encouraging the donation of small items to sell in our gift shop and we hit the jackpot this past week! A local resident donated hundreds of salt and pepper shakers with a variety of themes. They have stirred up much interest, so you won't want to miss out. They could make really fun Christmas presents for all age groups. We also continue to carry a variety of other merchandise from local honey to Bella Vista jigsaw puzzles, patches, hats, Christmas ornaments, Christmas cards, and more. Our museum gift shop is the best place in Bella Vista to get a real variety of Bella Vista souvenirs. All proceeds go back into museum operations.
2019 memberships available
You are welcome to sign up for membership in the Bella Vista Historical Society, which operates our Historical Museum, for the calendar year 2019. If you are already a member, please remember to renew your membership by Jan. 1. Dues are $15 per year for individuals, $25 per year for families, and $50 per year for corporate sponsorships. Payment made be made in person, by mail, or online at www.bellavistamuseum.org. Our mailing address is 1885 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista AR 72714. We are a 501(c)3 organization, so your dues and donations are eligible for tax deductions. Since our staff is made up of volunteers, all dues go toward operational expenses.
Tours and programs available
Private tours of the museum and programs about the history of Bella Vista are available outside of normal open hours for church groups, students, civic clubs, businesses, etc. To arrange for an event, please leave a message at the museum, 479-855-2335, or contact Xyta Lucas at 479-876-6118.
Hours of operation
The Historical Museum is located at the corner of U.S. Highway 71 and Kingsland Road, next door to the American Legion, and is open 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays but is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The phone number is 479-855-2335. The website address is bellavista.museum.org.
Community on 12/19/2018