The Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County, established in 1998, is a local non-profit admission-free history museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Montgomery County, Arkansas. The museum includes in its collection items that originated in, were used in, or had an impact on the geographic area known as Montgomery County, Arkansas. Items in the museum’s collection include: a
rtifacts used in the daily life in the county, and photographs, letters, and documents relating to the life of Montgomery County residents. Exhibits: Indoor Exhibits include Arkansas State Quarter, Quartz Crystal Mining, Forestry/Logging, General Store/Church/School, Post Office/Barber Shop, Pharmacy Office, Home Life and Genealogy. Heritage House Museum has a collection of oral history tapes available for the public to listen and hear stories from the past. Individuals are welcome to add to this collection in order to share their memories with future generations. The museum has a large family history section comprised of locally collected genealogy materials, photographs, census records, and other unpublished documents. Grounds: The two-acre campus of the museum showcase several structures, including an 1800’s log house, the ‘Eleanor” Outhouse, exhibit barn, equipment shed, and a sorghum shed. History: The museum was a dream of local resident Richard Rudell “Dick” Whittington, owner of Whittington’s Drug Store and descendant of one of the county’s first families. Whittington was the primary benefactor for the construction of the museum building. Thanks to the generous endowment left by Mr. Whittington as well as private contributions and membership dues, the museum has been able to continue operating without charging an admission fee for the past 25 years. The museum is staffed primarily by volunteers. Scope: Preserving the words, deeds, and activities that made up the daily lives of our ancestors. Special emphasis is placed on the effects and contributions of the timber industry, quartz crystal, and Lake Ouachita. The historical period represented is 1800 to 1975. Goals:
- Preserve the colorful history of Montgomery County utilizing exhibits, archival records, other activities and special events as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
- Collect, identify, record, and preserve historical objects, photographs, and archival materials within the stated scope of the museum’s mission.
- Create and maintain a facility to appropriately preserve and display the historical objects, photographs, and archival materials entrusted to the museum. Provide a community-friendly facility that makes space available for activities having a positive effect on Montgomery County.
- Provide educational activities through interpretive exhibits, programs, traveling exhibits, tours, publications, research, and other activities as designated by the Board of Directors.
