18 Apr 2011 Museum details area’s rich history

The Hot Spring County Museum offers an interesting and educational look at days gone by.

Located in Downtown Malvern, the museum has three structures on the site – The Boyle House, the Hughes 1876 Cabin and the Gibbs 1868 Cabin.

Since 1981, the museum has been dedicated to the preservation of history “for those of the present and future generations in loving memory and sincere appreciation of those from our past.”

The museum offers a variety of displays that cover local, state and national history. Among the exhibits, there is a First Lady Doll Collection, artifacts detailing Caddo Indian history and military displays of the Civil War through the Korean War.

The Boyle House has been set up to help depict life in the past, with historical items in the kitchen, parlor and children’s rooms. The home was the childhood home of Arkansas philanthropist Stella Boyle Smith.

Each spring, elementary school children as well as American History and Gifted and Talented students tour the museum.

The museum is open from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Group tours can also be scheduled after hours. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.