Historical Museum News

Fay Jones exhibit

There are just a few weeks left to enjoy our exhibit of Fay Jones' architecture. The Benton County Historical Society has scheduled their quarterly meeting at the museum at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, to view the exhibit, and that meeting is open to the public if you'd like to stop by.

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.

Jesse James movie fans

The movie "Jesse James" will be shown at the museum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening, Dec. 13. The movie, starring Henry Fonda and Tyrone Power, was made in Pineville, Mo., and the nearby area in 1938.

Families are welcome to take a break from Christmas shopping at that time to enjoy the movie and find out why Bella Vista has a role in the story of the making of this movie. Free admission with popcorn and soda served.

Attention quilt lovers

"Let's Talk About Quilts" will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the museum. Bring your quilted treasure to find out its age, value and possible provenance. There will be no charge for this event conducted by certified quilt appraiser Alice McElwain. Formal appraisals can also be arranged.

Settlers Cabin

Donations are still being sought to help pay for the old "Settlers Cabin" which has been donated to the museum. The move date for the cabin is to be determined. If you are interested in helping, please drop off or send to the museum your donation, or go online to www.gofundme.com/cabinfever. Donors of $100 or more will have their names inscribed on a plaque to hang inside the cabin.

2019 memberships now 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 may be made in person, by mail or online at 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.

Christmas shopping

Please keep the museum's gift shop in mind for your Christmas shopping. We have everything from local honey to Bella Vista jigsaw puzzles, patches, hats, Christmas ornaments, Christmas cards and more. A special gift for children is our jigsaw puzzle showing Bella Vista colorful painted rocks. The 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.

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 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 12/05/2018