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 the next meeting, on Thursday, Feb. 6, will be Greg Mayfield, who will be talking about his ancestors who owned the general store in Leetown, near Pea Ridge, 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.
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. Come for your own memories of these delightful toys, or bring your children or grandchildren to see these original vintage wooden toys from the 1930s onward.
Tours and Programs Available
Private tours of the museum and programs about the history of Bella Vista are available outside of normal open hours for church groups, students, civic clubs, businesses, etc., at the museum or at your location of choice. To arrange for an event, please leave a message at the museum, 479855-2335, or contact Xyta Lucas at 479-876-6118.
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.