Museums

See things you’ve never seen before

The Ozark Gateway Region is steeped in history, and much of it has been preserved in the many museums that dot the area. It’s all here, from historical exhibits, regional items and hard-to-find Civil War memorabilia to Indian artifacts, antique cars, paddle boats, dolls and famous courthouses.

History is alive and well at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where thousands of visitors each year enjoy the traditional mountain culture, crafts, and music with a variety of exciting festivals. More than a museum with static artifacts, the Folk Center provides a hands-on introduction to the lifestyles and traditions that once flourished in the Ozark Mountains and, in some cases, still do today.

Through workshops, music, dancing and exhibits, the center preserves and displays the cultural and social history of the Ozark region, which extends through Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

The Mark Martin Museum in Batesville, named for and created by the legendary NASCAR driver, features some of Martin’s past cars, including the No. 6 Viagra Coca-Cola 600 win car, the ’90 Folgers Thunderbird, the No. 60 Win Dixie Busch car, the 2005 IROC car Martin used to win his record fifth championship, and the ’89 Stroh's Thunderbird. [More...]

You’ll also find some of Martin’s personal photo books, a selection of his race helmets and firesuits and thousands of newspaper articles chronicling his rise from local dirt tracks to NASCAR fame.

Old Independence Regional Museum
In less than a decade, Old Independence Regional Museum has established itself as user-friendly, community-driven, and outreach-oriented. The museum has gained a considerable statewide reputation for its exhibits, public programs, archive and steadily expanding permanent collections. The museum also anchors and enriches the historical discussions, research, and writing that seem as common in Batesville as talk of the Cubs is in Chicago, or the Steelers in Pittsburgh. In this community where history is both cherished and celebrated, the museum and its busy calendar of programs and activities are never far from the conversation [More...]

Eddie Mae Herron Center
Named after Miss Eddie Mae Herron, who was a teacher at the former St. Mary’s Church / Pocahontas Colored School. The Center has been restored by former students and local people who knew Miss Eddie Mae.  She was the teacher for African American children who attended between 1948 – 1965.  The former school now serves as a museum and education center that tells the story of African American history in Randolph County.  It is the hub for African Americans in Pocahontas and is used by the community for different activities, political speakers, pie auctions, and activities for Black History Month. [Visit their website...]  
 
Maynard Pioneer Museum and Park
Located in Maynard on Highway 115 approximately 13 miles from Pocahontas - Host to Annual Pioneer Days Craft Fair and Festival each September.  The Park is open from early May to mid-September.  There is a log cabin furnished with donated pieces from the pioneer day to the early 1900’s as well as a log church on the grounds.  The Maynard City jail is another attraction.  It was built completely of concrete, had no heat or bathroom and measures 6 feet by 10 feet.  Lawbreakers were incarcerated here from 1936 until 1953. Those who stayed never wanted to return. 

Randolph County Heritage Museum
Located at 106 E. Everett Street in downtown Pocahontas.  It tells the story of the Randolph County area from its earliest history to the present.  Using both permanent and transitory exhibits, lecture presentations, interactive exhibits, and other informational programs, the museum truly is a living education forum linking the present day to Randolph County’s rich and varied past of “firsts.”   [Visit their website...]

Come to the Ozarks, and see the history you’ve been missing!

Contact Information for Area Museums