The museum covers the history of Northwest Arkansas and the Ozarks. It features exhibits, historic buildings, a research library and programs for the public.
The museum’s collection started when Guy Howard found an arrowhead in his garden and began collecting Native American artifacts. His collection grew to become a large and influential museum.
Exhibits
Over 500,000 historic images of the Ozarks are housed in the museum’s research library. They are available to researchers, students, journalists, and other community members on a case-by-case basis.
In 1965 Springdale resident Guy Howard accumulated a massive collection of prehistoric and historical artifacts. City officials purchased the collection, hired an amateur archaeologist to manage it, and opened the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History on September 7, 1968.
Located in the heart of northwest Arkansas in a town once known as Shiloh, the museum explores the rich history of this region that includes the counties of Benton County, Boone County, Carroll County, Madison County, Newton County, and Washington County. The museum has a large research library and a number of exhibits that showcase the many ways that people have made, and continue to make their homes in the Ozarks. The museum is also home to a number of historical buildings that can be explored. Among the most famous are an 1850s log cabin, an 1870s general store, and an outhouse from a family farm near Brentwood (Washington County). The museum’s research library is also very popular with local historians and genealogists.
Historic Buildings
Located on the Razorback Greenway, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is a regional museum with exhibits, historic buildings, a research library and programs. Most of what you’ll see highlights the real shapers of local Ozarks history-the everyday men, women and children who lived in our towns and rural communities.
The museum’s collection includes many historic buildings on its property, along with a log cabin, barn and doctor’s office. The museum’s main building and six historic buildings are open to the public.
Albright says the museum has been in operation since 1968 and began with a five-year-old Nebraska boy who collected Native American artifacts as a hobby. The collection grew and grew until it became a full-time occupation for Guy Howard, who later served as a lawyer, politician and city attorney in Springdale.
The museum moved to a new 22,000-square-foot building in 1991. In 1995, a 1930s barn and shed were added for the museum’s antique farm equipment. The museum’s collection also includes the one-room Steele General Store (built in the 1870s) and a two-story frame Shiloh Meeting Hall, donated to the museum by the New Era Lodge No. 36 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 2005.
Programs
In the early years of the 20th century, Guy Howard was a successful lawyer whose passion was collecting Native American artifacts. His collection grew to include thousands of items, and local people began flocking to his home to see the museum he was building.
In 1991, the museum moved into a new 22,000-square-foot facility. The board also changed the name to “Shiloh Museum of Ozark History” to better reflect the region the museum covers. In 1995, a 1930s barn was added to the museum campus, and in 2005, the New Era Lodge #36 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows donated their historic Shiloh Meeting Hall.
Aaron grew up exploring historical sites and enjoys sharing his passion for history with others. He is thrilled to be part of a team that values and cares for the museum’s collection. He spends his free time with his son and wife, enjoying the great outdoors, reading, and cooking.
Events
The museum takes its name from the pioneer community that eventually became Springdale, but its collection and interest extend beyond the city’s borders. The museum serves the people of Northwest Arkansas, which includes Benton, Carroll, Boone, Madison, and Newton counties, through its collections policy, exhibits, research facilities, and programs.
The history of the museum’s property comes to life on the grounds, which include historic buildings that offer visitors a glimpse at how people lived in this region over a hundred years ago. From the 1850s-era Ritter-McDonald log cabin to a 1930s-era Cartmell outhouse, these historic buildings are scattered throughout the museum campus along the banks of Spring Creek and add to the experience of visiting the museum.
The museum’s director says the museum is working to grow with the city of Springdale, including plans for new entrances to the building and landscaping that will tie the museum into Turnbow Park to the south, across West Johnson Avenue. The museum also hosts a variety of community events and activities.
Driving directions from Hi-Tech Enterprises to Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
Driving directions from Shiloh Museum of Ozark History to Luther George Park/Grove Street Park