Fay Jones exhibit
With the holidays approaching and everyone's schedule getting busy, now is the time to visit the museum to see the Fay Jones exhibit before it leaves in late December. Consisting of three large panels with lots of photographs of Jones' work and information, it is something you won't want to miss. The exhibit was created in 1999, a few years before Jones' death in 2004. A native of northwest Arkansas, Jones became famous for his work in many locales. His mentor was Frank Lloyd Wright, and the exhibit reflects Wright's influence on Jones. Our exhibit is on loan from the Old Statehouse Museum in Little Rock. As reflected in a display at Crystal Bridges, Jones is also credited by Moshe Safdie for giving him ideas on designing Crystal Bridges.
Farm families in early Bella Vista
We would like to hear from people whose families had farms generations ago, in what is now Bella Vista, in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, before John Cooper Sr. began buying up the farms in the 1960s. If you have photos or stories to share, please stop by the museum during open hours (1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday) or leave a message at 479-855-2335 and one of our volunteers will reply.
Settlers Cabin
Progress is continuing on the "Settlers Cabin," with the foundation nearly complete on the museum grounds. We have also cleared an area behind the foundation for overflow parking for future cabin events. Donations are still being sought to help pay for the cabin project. If you are interested in helping, please drop off or send to the museum your donation, or go online to www.gofundme.com/cabinfever. Any donor of $100 or more will have his or her name inscribed on a plaque to hang inside the cabin.
Gift shop merchandise
If you have a police officer or firefighter on your Christmas list this year, a great present would be one of the jigsaw puzzles from our museum gift shop featuring a Bella Vista police car or Bella Vista fire engine picture. Also, we now have two sizes of Christmas tree ornaments that have the city of Bella Vista logo. The museum gift shop is the best place in Bella Vista to get all kinds of Bella Vista souvenirs. New items are on order to arrive in the near future. Other than Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, we will be open throughout the holiday season, so bring your visitors and enjoy browsing!
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 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.
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, next door to the American Legion, and is open 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Phone: 479-855-2335. Website: www.bellavista.museum.org.
Community on 11/07/2018