A Journey Through Time at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale Arkansas

Dear Henry,

Recently, we took a road trip to the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, and I’d love to share what we saw and learned!

The story of the museum begins in 1965, when the city of Springdale, Arkansas, acquired the Guy Howard Collection of Native American artifacts. This collection had been the life’s work of William Guy “the Judge” Howard (1876–1965), a prominent Springdale public servant who held many roles over the years, including city attorney, mayor, and municipal judge. Howard’s passion for collecting started when he picked up his very first arrowhead at the age of five. From that simple beginning, he went on to build an astonishing collection of over 10,000 artifacts, ranging from prehistoric tools to objects from historic Native communities. For decades, he welcomed visitors into his home to view his collection. After his passing, the city purchased it from his estate so that it could be preserved and shared with the public.

With this foundation, the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History officially opened on September 7, 1968, in the old Springdale library building. Initially, the museum primarily focused on the story of Springdale itself. However, its mission expanded in the 1980s when it received federal grants, allowing it to broaden its scope to encompass the entire Arkansas Ozarks. During that time, the museum began to develop its unique campus, adding four historic structures to its grounds: an 1850s log cabin, a 1870 general store, a 1870s county doctor’s office, and even a 1930s outhouse. These buildings joined an existing 1870s house (later remodeled in 1938), giving visitors a real sense of stepping back in time.

The museum continued to grow. In 1991, a new purpose-built structure replaced the old library, providing modern exhibit space. Just a few years later, in 1995, a barn was added to the grounds, further enhancing the museum’s ability to tell the story of rural Ozark life.

Walking through the exhibits is like traveling through time. The journey begins around 14,000 BC, when the earliest people inhabited the Ozarks, and continues through thousands of years of settlement, adaptation, and change. The museum highlights not just Native American history but also the arrival of European settlers, the development of early industries, and the coming of the railroads that connected this once-isolated region to the broader world. It also highlights the importance of agriculture and livestock to the Ozark region. Other exhibits explore the ways the Ozarks were shaped by national and global events, including all major wars.

One of the absolute highlights of our visit was the Vaughn-Applegate Collection, an impressive display of early photography equipment. As someone who enjoys photography, I found it fascinating to trace the evolution of cameras and lenses and to see how people once captured their worlds on film. Alongside this, the museum also showcases works from the Mary Parsons photography collection, offering a more personal glimpse into the daily lives of Ozark families through historic photographs.

The overall feel of the museum reminded me of the Blue Ridge Institute in Ferrum, Virginia, another place that brings regional history to life. While Shiloh doesn’t have a working farm like the Blue Ridge Institute, it more than makes up for it with its detailed exhibits, historic buildings, and friendly, accessible approach.

In the end, I came away convinced that the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is one of the best ways to get acquainted with life in the Ozarks, past and present. It’s engaging, informative, and easy to enjoy. Best of all, the museum is free to visit and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you ever find yourself in Northwest Arkansas, it’s absolutely worth the stop!

Until my next adventure!

xoxo a.d. elliott

PS: You can check out the YouTube video of the adventure here: https://youtu.be/43FOrgxIPIw

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller currently in Tonitown, Arkansas. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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