Historical Museum News

Visitors Welcome

If you are vacationing in Bella Vista this summer, whether as tourists on your own or visiting family and friends here, we invite you to come to see our Bella Vista Historical Museum. We have exhibits representing the past 100-plus years of Bella Vista History, starting when Lake Bella Vista was built in 1915. We also have a great gift shop, where we sell all kinds of Bella Vista souvenirs and locally-produced honey, plus other merchandise that has been donated to us to help raise funds for the museum. We are open Wednesdays through Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., and we are easy to find, on Highway 71 at the corner of Kingsland, next door to the American Legion.

Historic Sites Driving Tours

Our popular historic sites driving tours are returning with the first one scheduled for this coming Saturday, June 15, starting at 12:30 p.m. Visit historic sites around old Bella Vista with a tour guide who will talk about the history of each site. The cost is $15 per person or $25 for two. If you are interested, leave your contact information at the museum or call Dale Phillips at 812-899-2049.

Bella Vista Civil War Roundtable

Our second monthly Civil War Roundtable was held at the museum on Thursday evening, June 6, and we appreciate everyone who came to hear our guest speaker, Kerry Jones from the Pea Ridge National Military Park. Looking ahead, since the first Thursday of July falls on July 4, we have scheduled the next meeting for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 11. Dale Phillips, formerly with the National Park Service, will talk about New Orleans in the Civil War. New Orleans provided military supplies and thousands of troops for the Confederate States Army, and its location made it a prime target for the Union. The public is invited to these programs, usually held the first Thursday evening of each month, and admission is free.

Settler's Cabin

Our Settler's Cabin, which was donated to us last year and moved to the museum grounds this past March, is soon going to be looking even better. Within the next few weeks, we will be getting the foundation finished off, and then a new front porch and a new roof will be added. We continue to seek donations to help with this project. Donations may be made by credit or debit cards, and checks in person at the museum, or you are welcome to mail a check to the museum at 1885 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista AR 72714. Those donating $100 or more will have their names added to a plaque that will be displayed inside the cabin.

Tours & 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. 71 and Kingsland Road, next door to the American Legion, and is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The phone number is 479-855-2335. The website address is bellavistamuseum.org.

Community on 06/12/2019