Historical Museum News
The History Club meets the second Thursday of the month at the Bella Vista Historical Museum. It offers interesting programs, free admission, no officers, no dues and just a fun time.
The gift shop at the museum has a number of new items in time for Christmas shopping, including jigsaw puzzles featuring Bella Vista scenes, magnets, mugs and more. Stop by 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The museum is open Christmas Eve but closed Christmas Day.
A temporary exhibit featuring Christmas collections is on display through the end of December, courtesy of Xyta Lucas. The next temporary exhibit starting in January will feature the Woodcarvers Club.
Coming in January (date to be announced) will be the next Hot Stove League meeting for all baseball fans. The term “hot stove league” dates from 19th century small-town America when, during the winter, people “gathered at the general store or post office and sat around an iron pot-bellied stove and discussed such things as baseball, weather, politics, the police blotter and churches. The term was also commonly used by sportswriters until World War II.
On Feb. 3, Monte Harris and Melba Shewmaker will be at the museum for a book signing of their new book, “Barns of Benton County.” Everyone is invited to hear their talk about their travels in photographing old barns all over the county. Their book will be available for purchase.
Private tours of the museum are available outside of normal open hours for church groups, school groups, home-schooled groups, civic clubs and businesses. To arrange for a tour, leave a message at the museum, 479-855-2335, or contact Xyta Lucas at 479876-6118.
The museum has an ongoing oral history project. Leave information on good candidates for an oral history at the museum, 479-855-2335. People who are familiar with developments in Bella Vista history over the last several decades and are willing to share their stories are encouraged to contact the museum.