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The Baxter County Historical & Genealogical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a grand opening ceremony at its new museum location on Thursday, November 7.
The Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting at noon at the museum’s new home at 300 Bomber Boulevard, followed by a reception until 2 p.m. Visitors will receive historic photos of Mountain Home’s square from around 1900 and, while supplies last, limited 1973 Centennial plates.
According to Lisa Coleman of the Historical Society, the museum’s relocation represents more than just a change of address, it represents a chance at bringing back a love of history to younger generations.
“We had a little tiny spot on 808 Baker,” said Coleman of the museum’s old location in downtown Mountain Home. “There was no footprint ever for any growth there. I even looked at elevators upstairs, getting people up. I looked at everything.”
The new location came through what Coleman describes as “divine intervention” after searching commercial properties.
“We sold it in 24 hours and closed a deal on this one. We ended up with no debt because we couldn’t have a debt. We don’t have any income other than dues,” she said.
The museum is also implementing new technology to preserve local history, including Past Perfect, a specialized museum software funded by Tink Albright.
“What it will do for us, and this is where generational knowledge will be retained, you can go in here and like anybody that gives us a check, anybody gives us a thing, it’s all logged in here by person what they’ve given and any knowledge about that thing,” Coleman explained.
“The kids nowadays don’t understand what they’re losing with every grandparent that dies,” Coleman added. “They lose an encyclopedia of knowledge of cool stuff that they don’t even realize that they’ve lost. And after it’s gone, it’s gone.”
The Historical Society was formed after the county’s centennial celebration in 1973, with its first meeting held on September 27, 1974. The organization received its Certificate of Incorporation from Arkansas on November 14, 1974.
The museum, currently open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers family research services and houses various historical artifacts. Coleman hopes to expand operating hours as more volunteers join.
“The growth is determined upon volunteers,” she said. “The more attractive we can make ourselves be, obviously, the more attractive will be to volunteers coming in.”
Reception attendees will enjoy cake, coffee and root beer floats served in souvenir mugs from the vintage soda fountain while supplies last.
For more information about the museum or volunteer opportunities, contact the Society at 870-425-2551 or visit their Facebook page at Baxter County Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc.
