HISTORICAL MUSEUM NEWS

Bella Vista Civil War Roundtable

Our Roundtable continues to meet the first Thursday evening of each month at 7 p.m. at the museum. The speaker for tomorrow evening’s meeting, on Thursday, Feb. 6, will be Greg Mayfield, whose great-great-grandfather owned the general store in Leetown and over 300 acres of surrounding land. After the war, they filed a claim for damages against the federal government, which they unsuccessfully pursued for 30 years. The records from that case contain depositions from locals which are full of information about the lead-up to the Pea Ridge battle and the aftermath. Everyone is welcome; admission is free.

Old Time Movies

Our next Old Time Movie Afternoon will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9. We will be showing two more Laurel and Hardy movies, “Murder Case” (1930), which feature Laurel and Hardy looking forward to a vast inheritance in a short time, and “Dirty Work” (1933), where they are expert chimney cleaners. Popcorn will be provided during the intermission between the two movies. Both of these movies will be shown on an original 1940s Bell and Howell 16 mm film projector and sound system, courtesy of our docents Bill and Mary Jan Cole. Admission is free.

Fisher-Price Toy Exhibit

Our current Fisher-Price toy exhibit, on loan from Bella Vista resident Bruce Fox, has been extended for viewing through the end of February. In early March, we will be changing out this display to Easter-themed Fisher-Price toys, with a presentation he will do on Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m., about his collection. Everyone is welcome; admission is free.

Hours of operation

The Historical Museum is located at 1885 Bella Vista Way, 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 is bellavistamuseum.org.