Pea Ridge Museum set to open March 4

The Pea Ridge Historical Society is gearing up for the museum’s seasonal opening on Saturday, March 4.

Repeat visitors should keep their eyes peeled. President Mary Durand says there are plans to update an exhibit or two before then.

The Pea Ridge Historical Society was formed on Oct. 23, 2003, and the organization is now in its 14th year.

Members of the the Pea Ridge Historical Society and Museum donate their time and skills in an effort to document the people and places of Pea Ridge, those who persevered to build a solid way of life before us, especially in times marked by opportunity, hardship and the crises of war. To preserve and communicate the heritage of the city, as well as those that have lived, worked and grown in the community we now enjoy.

Pea Ridge became a city in Arkansas in 1850, with the establishment of its first Post Office.

Over the next 165 years, the city bore witness to a rich variety of historical events — some of national significance — notable people, numerous educational milestones, booming business and building enterprises, and everevolving customs and traditions.

As soon as one steps through the museum’s threshold, they find themselves immersed in local heritage.

A portion of the museum is decorated in 19th-century style complete with an antique pump organ and era-appropriate furniture. Another room is dedicated to Nannie Roberts, long-time teacher at Pea Ridge Academy in the late 1800s.

Her brother, Professor John Rains Roberts, was principal of the academy from 1874-1894.

A variety of old-time quilts and patterns also garner attention. Most notably, a quilt done in the pattern of the “Pea Ridge Lily.”

Durand explained that the antiquated pattern was found years ago and adopted as a symbol by the society.

The building itself is also a piece of Pea Ridge history as it was constructed in 1947 by members of the Mt. Vernon Masonic Lodge. Extensive renovations were completed in 2008, after five years of fundraising and exceptional support from city leaders.

Through a lease agreement with the city, the Pea Ridge Historical Society houses the museum in a building owned by the city located at 1451 N. Curtis Ave. in downtown Pea Ridge. Guided or self-guided tours are offered every Saturday from 1-4 p.m. or by appointment.

Those interested in becoming a member are invited to attend the society’s monthly meetings or make contact via email at prhist soc@prark.org.

Currently, regular meetings of the Historical Society are held at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the School Heritage Building.

Members welcome submission of information and items of historical interest to the attention of the Historical Society. Records, photos and artifacts are all welcomed as donations. Or, to keep historical items in private possession, but to allow the Historical Society to make photographs or photocopies, this, too, is helpful and appreciated.