Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Shiloh Museum get its name?
Springdale was originally named Shiloh. It was given the name for the settlement and church that was established in the 1840s on the site of present day Springdale. When Shiloh made an application for a post office in 1872, it was learned that another town in the state existed with the same name. Under post office rules, Shiloh was forced to change its name because no two post offices in the same state could have the same name. Shiloh then became Springdale. It received this name for the many springs that supplied water to the valley.

How did the Shiloh Museum come about?
In 1965 the City of Springdale purchased a collection of more than 10,000 Indian artifacts from Judge Guy W. Howard, a retired municipal judge. A museum committee was established in 1967, and by 1968 they had converted the old city library into the Shiloh Museum. It was given this name for the original name of Springdale.

What is the museum's purpose?
The Shiloh Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Northwest Arkansas. In addition to preserving artifacts, the museum provides programs, exhibits, research materials, and other information on the six counties of Northwest Arkansas: Benton, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Madison, and Washington.

Who supports the museum?
The City of Springdale is the museum's main source of operating support. It also receives financial assistance through donations, grants, memberships, and fundraising projects. The museum membership currently numbers over 840. The collections total more than 100,000 artifacts. In 2003, more than 24,000 visitors came to the Shiloh Museum and/or participated in its projects.

How was the current building built?
In the early 1980s the Shiloh Museum had grown so much that it no longer fit comfortably into the space that was available. The Board of Trustees realized that a new building was essential and set this as a goal. The board acquired the necessary land, hired an architect to design a plan for the site, and spent around five years raising the necessary money. The construction of the new museum began in 1990 and it opened on September 15, 1991. The building cost $1.1 million. The money was raised by the Board of Trustees, and $350,000 was contributed by the City of Springdale. The building was totally paid for before construction began in May 1990.

How large is the museum?
The whole museum is approximately 21,000 square feet. The gallery is 4,500 square feet, and the meeting room is 2,500 square feet. The meeting room contains a projection screen that is used to present educational programs. It will seat from 200-250 people. Another important feature is the museum library. The library is designed to provide research information on Northwest Arkansas. The library contains research materials such as books, files, periodicals, and over 400,000 photographs.

Who can I talk to regarding donating items to the museum?
Our collections manager, Carolyn Reno, is in charge of caring for and adding to our collection.

Can I bring food and drink into the museum?
Food, drinks, and candy are not allowed in the gallery or meeting room, unless there is a special event taking place. There are picnic tables on the grounds. Also, no smoking is allowed in any of the museum buildings.

Is there a charge to see the museum?
There is no admission charge, but donations are gratefully accepted!