Saline County History and Heritage Society, Inc.

09/30/2026

Please join us for our October program presented by Brett Chumley with the City of Benton Historic District Commission. We look forward to learning about the design guidelines for maintaining the character of buildings that helped build our community. All our welcome, and there is no charge to attend our monthly programs. Hope to see you there!

09/30/2026

Thank you to Destin Davis, Editor with the Saline Courier who provided an excellent presentation for our group in September!

Stay tuned for details on our upcoming event for October on the Benton Historical District Commission.

09/11/2026

Join us!

SALINE COUNTY — History will be on display across Saline County on Sept. 12 as museums throughout the area open their doors for Saline County Museum Day.

09/11/2026

We will be open for Saline County Museum Day on Saturday 10-??? Come visit the Saline County History and Heritage Society archives and research center for a tour of all the resources available on the area’s background. All are welcome! No charge! We will have a door prize drawing for guests who sign in, so don’t miss out!

09/02/2026

Heard the news? The Saline Courier has- for over 150 years now! The local publication has been sharing the latest to this community via printed words for a century and a half now. Come hear how it all began, where it’s been, and where it’s going. Thursday, September 10th at 7pm, join us at SCHHS and listen to Destin Davis, editor, as he shares the story of this persevering resource for Saline County citizens and beyond.

07/31/2026

August 13th from 5-7pm we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Saline County History & Heritage Society, Inc. and invite the community to join us! Our board of directors will host a reception at the research center located in downtown Benton at 123 N Market Street. Enjoy delicious cake by Liz Bray as we hear comments on the importance of historic preservation by guest speaker with Preserve Arkansas Rachel Patton. Visit with members and guests as we “scroll” down memory lane in a slide show featuring founding members of SCHHS and history related events through the years. Please drop in to say hello! Members and guests welcome!

07/04/2026

Please join us at the Bryant Historic Museum July 9th to continue in celebration of America’s 250th birthday! We will hear from historian Mark Kalkbrenner on Saline County veterans of the Revolutionary War and give respect to all those who’ve served our country. The Daughters of the American Revolution will assist us along with Bryant Historic Museum members with an ice cream treat outside after the program!

06/13/2026

Congratulations to Claire Matthews, our 2026 SCHHS Scholarship recipient! As an outstanding student at Bryant High School, Claire was awarded $500 to aid in college expenses for submitting a presentation on a historical topic related to Saline County. Her project included research and photos of the Mary Lake Monastery in East End. Claire presented her Power Pointe at our June monthly program relating interesting facts and drawing questions and input from the audience. Two surprise guests included the monastery’s caretakers, the Pilkingtons, who gave us an insider’s take on the property and the people who continue to keep it a beautiful landmark. We talked about planning an event in the Fall to visit and tour, so stay tuned here for information on that opportunity as plans solidify.

06/08/2026

Ever wondered about the story behind the beautiful estate in East Saline County where Carmelite Fathers now reside? Join us Thursday evening, JUNE 11th at 7 PM for a special presentation by our 2026 history scholarship awardee, Claire Matthews, on the Mary Lake Monastery. Located at 123 N. Market Street in downtown Benton, the program is free to all interested. We welcome members and guests!

05/25/2026

Thankful for those we remember on this holiday for giving the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans, families of all who served in our military, we salute you.
🇺🇸