Bella Vista Historical Museum

The Bella Vista Historical Museum is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visitors are asked not to enter if they have flu-like covid symptoms. Masks are required and visitors will be asked to practice social distancing while in the museum, and, if visiting with a group, to stay together. The number of visitors at one time will be limited to 10. If visitors happen to arrive when the museum is at maximum capacity, they will be asked to wait outside until there is room for additional visitors. These plans are subject to change, based on the latest covid-19 data from the Arkansas Department of Health. The museum is located at the corner of Highway 71 and Kingsland, next door to the American Legion building. Telephone 479855-2335; website www. bellavistamuseum.org.

In addition to the museum’s exhibits displaying the 100-plus years of Bella Vista history, and the 1912 Settler’s Cabin open for touring on the museum grounds, a gift shop inside the museum has a variety of Bella Vista souvenir items for sale, as well as other items that have been donated to the museum for fundraising purposes. The museum is operated by the Bella Vista Historical Society. Membership in the Society is available now for the 2021 calendar year at the cost of $15/ individual or $25/family. The museum has an all-volunteer staff, which means that dues and donations go entirely toward the operating costs of the museum. In addition to helping support the preservation of Bella Vista’s rich and unique history, and helping educate the public, other benefits of membership include receipt of a quarterly newsletter and an invitation to the annual membership meeting usually held each March. Checks may be mailed to the museum at 1885 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista, AR 72714. Visitors are also welcome to pay for membership in person by check or credit/debit card during open hours.