HISTORICAL MUSEUM NEWS
Highlands Methodist Church visit
A dozen women from the Highlands Methodist Church met at the museum on Monday, May 14, for a program about the history of Bella Vista and a private tour of the museum. If your group would like to schedule a similar event, please leave a message at the museum, 479-855-2335, or contact Xyta Lucas at 479-876-6118.
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
A showing of the documentary recently made by museum volunteer Jack Kellogg about the early 1990’s construction of the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail will be held at the museum on Thursday, June 14, at 7 p.m. The documentary includes interviews with three of the original volunteers who worked on the trail. Also available for viewing will be a short video donated by Emily Robertson with beautiful photos of the trail, set to background music. Free admission and refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Fay Jones exhibit
A long-term special exhibit will be on display at the museum from June through December, on loan from the State Archives office in Little Rock. It will consist of three large folding panels that focus on world-renowned architect Fay Jones and his work. Jones is the only student of Frank Lloyd Wright to receive the prestigious American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1990. Three samples of his work exist in Bella Vista: the Cooper Chapel, the Bella Vista Country Club and a private residence. A program about his work will be presented at the July 12 History Club meeting.
Pioneer Cabin project
The Bella Vista Historical Society has continued to work on the previously announced project of the pioneer log cabin, to be donated to the museum by Scott and Angie Butler. Work will begin shortly to remove the porches that had been added to the front and side of the cabin in preparation for moving the cabin to the museum grounds this fall. This project has been approved for a grant by the Benton County Historical Preservation Commission to pay for some of the expenses, but your support is still needed to make this project a reality. Businesses and organizations, as well as individuals, are welcome to make a donation by mailing it to or dropping it off at the museum, or going online to gofundme.com/cabinfever. Any donation over $100 will be recognized on a plaque inside the cabin.
Long-term residents of Bella Vista
The museum staff would like to find the residents who have lived in Bella Vista the longest and recognize them at a future event. If you know someone who has lived in Bella Vista for 30 to 40 years or more, please contact the museum at 479-855-2335 and leave your contact information.
Hours of operation
The Historical Museum is located at the corner of U.S. Highway 71 and Kingsland Road, next door to the American Legion, and is open 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Phone 479-855-2335. The website is bellavista.museum.org.