SPRINGDALE – The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is kicking off 2025 with an exciting lineup of events and activities, offering something for everyone both at the museum and throughout the Ozarks.
From programs on photography, native foods, and foraging to unique experiences like a cemetery tour, all ages will have opportunities to explore the Ozarks and its history. More events and exhibits will be added through the year and can be found on the Shiloh Museum’s web calendar at https://shilohmuseum.org/events/.
"This year's lineup of programming is one of our best yet," says Angie Albright, Shiloh Museum director. "We worked hard to create a wide range of program types and subjects to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Along with this more traditional programming, be on the lookout for a series of community days where we engage directly in story and photo collecting and digitizing. Our goal is always to broaden and deepen our understanding of the Ozarks and its people."
Below are the Shiloh Museum events already scheduled. Events will take place at the Shiloh Museum unless otherwise noted and are free.
Feb. 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (virtual)
Not Strictly History: Preserving African American Cemeteries in Arkansas. In observance of Black History month, Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis, co-founder and president of the Preservation of African American Cemeteries Inc., will present this virtual program about the importance of preserving African American cemeteries and their history. To register to view this online-only program, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/preserving-african-american-cemeteries-in-arkansas/.
March 19, 6:30 p.m.
Not Strictly History: Archeology of Native Foods. Dr. Michelle Rathgaber of the Arkansas Archeological Survey will discuss the archeological evidence of native food use. Attendees will learn how archeologists uncover past hunting, gathering and agricultural practices. They will also explore food-related artifacts and receive recipes featuring native ingredients to try at home. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/archeology-of-native-foods-2/.
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Spring Break Program. The Shiloh Museum will travel to area public libraries during spring break, and present one session at the museum, for fun photography-themed programs featuring hands-on activities, including creating a cyanotype to take home. The schedule is as follows:
Monday, March 24
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Green Forest Public Library, 206 E. Main St., Green Forest (Carroll County)
2 to 3 p.m.: Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library, 194 Spring St., Eureka Springs (Carroll County)
Tuesday, March 25
10 to 11 a.m.: Kingston Community Library, 120 Madison 2605, Kingston (Madison County)
2 to 3 p.m.: Newton County Library in Jasper, 239 S. Stone St., Jasper
Thursday, March 27
10 to 11 a.m.: Huntsville Public Library, 827 N. College St. (Madison County)
2 to 3 p.m.: St. Paul Public Library, 145 Fifth St., St. Paul (Madison County)
2 to 3 p.m.: Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale
For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/spring-break-program/.
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April 17, 6:30 p.m.
Not Strictly History: Re-mapping the Trail of Tears. The Shiloh Museum’s Not Strictly History program will feature John McLarty discussing recent discoveries that confirm the route of the Trail of Tears through the Arkansas Ozarks. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/re-mapping-the-trail-of-tears/.
April 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fibers to Fabric School Program. The Shiloh Museum invites first to third graders to explore the world of fabrics in a hands-on program featuring live artisan demonstrations and insights from living historians. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/fibers-to-fabric-school-program/.
May 10, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (date and time tentative)
Milkweed Giveaway. The Shiloh Museum’s annual milkweed giveaway returns in front of the museum. Five plants will be available for each adult. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/milkweed-giveaway-3/.
May 10, 11 a.m.
Not Strictly History: Foraging in the Ozarks. Join Timothy Hammer’s presentation on foraging edible plants in the Ozarks. Hammer, a culinary expert at Homegrown Native Foods in Mountainburg, will share his knowledge on wild plants and mushrooms. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/foraging-in-the-ozarks/.
June 4, 12:15 to 1:45 p.m.
Not Strictly History: Mobile Phone Photography Techniques. Melissa Jones of the Photographic Society of Northwest Arkansas will lead a hands-on workshop on smartphone photography. This session will focus on iPhone and Android users, include indoor instruction and an outdoor photography walk on the museum grounds. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/mobile-phone-photography-techniques/.
Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
47th Annual Ozark Quilt Fair. The quilt fair will feature live music, family-friendly quilt activities and Viewers’ Choice awards for new and antique quilts, with cash prizes presented at 2 p.m. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/47th-annual-ozark-quilt-fair/.
Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Not Strictly History: Tinsmithing Demonstration (weather permitting). This drop-in program will feature local tinsmith Robert Stone, who will demonstrate the traditional craft of tinsmithing in front of the historic barn on the Shiloh Museum grounds. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/tinsmithing-demonstration/.
Oct. 18, 11 a.m.
Not Strictly History: Bluff Cemetery Tour. Abby Burnett, author of Gone to the Grave: Burial Customs of the Arkansas Ozarks, 1850-1950, presents for October’s Not Strictly History program a guided tour of Springdale’s historic Bluff Cemetery, 900 N. Shiloh St., Springdale. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/bluff-cemetery-tour/.
Nov. 5, 12:15 p.m.
Not Strictly History: Vintage Cookie Cutters. Delve into the Shiloh Museum’s collection of vintage cookie cutters, learn the history and take home cookie dough to bake using recipes from Shiloh’s cookbook collection. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/vintage-cookie-cutters/.
Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Not Strictly History: Vintage Game Night. Play games inspired by those from the Shiloh Museum’s collections that were once popular in the Ozarks. For details, visit https://shilohmuseum.org/museum-events/vintage-game-night/.
Photos
Milkweed Giveaway
The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History’s annual milkweed giveaway will return with a tentative date set for May 10.
Quilt Fair
The 47th Annual Ozark Quilt Fair will take place on the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History’s grounds on Sept. 13.
