Welcome to the Benton County Historical Society Bentonville, AR
A Society Preserving Yesterday for Tomorrow!
Open Tuesday - Friday 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Closed Sunday, Monday, & Saturday
Quarterly Meetings
December 8, 2024 Quarterly Meeting Reminder
Don't forget to put our December 8, 2024 Quarterly Meeting on your calendar!
Please join us Sunday, December 8th as we salute Fred Coffee. Fred, our BCHS Treasurer for the last ten years, has announced his retirement from the Board of Directors. Let’s give him a good send off.
The meeting will be held in Hine’s Hall at the United Methodist Church – across the street from the Historical Society. The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m.
We have a very special program planned. Remember the wonderful covers of the “Saturday Evening Post”? Norman Rockwell depicted everyday happenings in the family as well as events happening in the world. Johnny Haney will present a short history of Norman Rockwell and the story behind what he called his greatest works – the Four Freedoms and the stories behind five other paintings including Rosie the Riveter.
Johnny served 9 years as a trustee for the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He is very active in our community and has served on many of the city’s boards. He has a 40 year retail background.
Please join us to wish Fred Coffee a hardy farewell and join us for the great program.
That’s Sunday, December 8, 2024
Hine’s Hall
United Methodist Church in Bentonville at 2:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
Become a Member today!
Membership Levels
An Individual/Household membership ($20/annually) refers to an individual or family that is looking to support the BCHS and learn more about the history of Benton County. These memberships are suitable for people wishing to stay current on Benton County historical events and activities.
A Contributing membership ($25/annually) provides members the ability to give their time, money, energy, expertise, and connections to support the BCHS. In exchange, the BCHS offers early access to sponsored events of the BCHS.
A Sustaining membership ($35/annually) is a long-term commitment where individuals pledge their ongoing support to the BCHS. Sustainers receive exclusive perks and benefits in the form of discounts for event tickets, etc.
Lifetime memberships ($150) are consistently better in terms of value, cost, and net revenue compared to new members. A one-time payment allows the member to become a member for life and receive all the benefits of membership in the Benton County Historical Society.
A Sponsor or Benefactor (any $ value can be submitted) is someone who provides financial or other types of support to the Benton County Historical Society, typically without any expectation of direct personal gain. In contrast, a sponsor is someone who provides support to an individual or organization with the expectation of receiving some form of recognition or benefit in return.
Make a Difference
Donate Now
We are dedicated to preserving the history of our community. Your contribution today helps us make a difference.
General information
BCHS Quarterly Meetings
Quarterly Meetings are open to the public (at no cost) and are held two times a year and feature a guest speaker. These meetings are scheduled on the second Sunday of the month and are normally held at the Society headquarters, 306 NW 2nd Street, Bentonville, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m unless otherwise noted. Guests are always welcome. Please call 479-273-3561 for additional information. News releases to the local media will remind everyone of forthcoming meetings and announce programs and speakers.
Our next Quarterly meeting has been rescheduled for September for Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 2:30.
Annual Home Tour
The Annual BCHS Historic Home Tour is always scheduled for the Fall and will run from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM and you can visit any of the homes in any order you please. Tickets are available for purchase and can be purchased here or at the BCHS office. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Free admission for children under 12. You don't want to miss this tour.
Annual Bean Supper
Every year in October we have our Annual Bean Supper Fundraiser! $10 per dinner including the homemade cobbler. The Bean Supper starts at 4:00 PM at the Benton County Historical Society Office at 306 NW 2nd St. in Bentonville, AR and ends around 7:00. If you can’t stay, grab a to-go bag. We appreciate all of your support!
The Benton County Pioneer magazine
To make Benton County history available to its members and others who may be interested, now and in years to come, the Society publishes The Benton County Pioneer, a quarterly magazine now in its 70th year.
Within its pages, readers will find a cache of stories, photos, and accounts of earlier Benton County, genealogical information, and reports of current efforts affecting historic preservation. When you purchase a membership, you will receive The Benton County Pioneer magazine (published quarterly) as part of your membership.
The Benton County Pioneer magazine Back Issues
Back issues of The Benton County Pioneer, are offered for sale at the headquarters. Price: $5.00 each postpaid, or $1 per copied page.
Special enlarged 99-page "Civil War Centennial Issue" (Vol. 7, No. 3, of 1962) can be purchased from our headquarters, $12.00 postpaid.
Research Records and Materials
Research records and materials of the Society include all issues of the Benton County Pioneer, early Benton County Marriage, Chattel, Land and Personal Tax Records, cemetery records, and books and publications of local family histories. These records are available to members and the public in the historical archives.
Historical Markers Program
The Society has also taken responsibility for maintaining historical markers and monuments which members helped to erect throughout Benton County. The markers permanently identify the locations of Civil War events, and other historic sites.
To help keep memories alive, BCHS offers a Self-drive Tour Guide to ten skirmish and camp sites throughout the county. (11 x 17 six-fold with jumbo maps, driving instructions and full texts, $2.00 ppd.)