Newton County Historical Society - Arkansas

07/21/2026

Sometimes, people seem to vanish through the years.

I was writing an article about Cave Creek, here in Newton County, Arkansas, when I ran across an article from the local Masonic lodge about the death of their brother, Lucellus M. Hale. An old Newton County name, but a man I had never heard of.

I soon began to suspect he was another neighbor of mine who had vanished through the years and was lying in an unmarked grave somewhere here in the hills.

No death certificate, no funeral information, no headstone. Another man who seemed to be completely forgotten.

It took a lot of digging and persistance to find out who this man was that seemingly vanished so long ago.

Over time I began to piece together who he was: a married man, beloved father, a Union veteran, a member of the Dodson Masonic Lodge, and another story I could tell.

It was an honor to mark his grave on July 11, 2026. He went without a stone for 146 years. Nearly a century and a half had passed since his death from pneumonia in 1880. It's always an honor to do the work I do, and that weekend I was blessed to mark 16 graves, three of them veterans.

Sometimes people vanish, but if we remember, they never will.

Rest in peace, sir.

-Travis Holt

07/21/2026

What a great day celebrating the history and heritage of Newton County!

The Bradley House Museum Open House brought together local residents, history enthusiasts and visitors from across the Ozarks for an afternoon of learning, storytelling and community. Guests toured the historic Bradley House and Chaney Log Cabin, enjoyed presentations on everything from genealogy and food preservation to farming and veterans, and heard guest speakers, such as Travis Holt, speak about the people and places that shaped our region.

With families enjoying hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones, and community leaders including Jasper Mayor Mike Thomas stopping by, it was a wonderful reminder that preserving our local history is truly a community effort.

Here's a look back at a day dedicated to keeping the stories of Newton County alive.

Bradley House Museum Open House Draws Crowd to Celebrate Newton County History

JASPER, Ark. (AP) — History enthusiasts from across the Ozarks gathered Saturday at the Bradley House Museum as the Newton County Historical Society welcomed visitors for its annual open house celebrating the area's heritage.

The event featured tours of the historic Bradley House and Chaney Log Cabin, along with presentations on genealogy, food preservation, farming, logging, veterans and local history. Guests also enjoyed hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones while exploring the museum grounds.

"We're trying to let people come in, have a chance to look everything over and see a little bit about their history," said Yolanda Martin, president of the Newton County Historical Society. "We want to bring in presenters on a variety of different topics and let people have a little fun while they're here."

Many attendees said they came to deepen their appreciation of the Ozarks.

Skye Bowman said she attended to learn more about local history. She said she especially appreciates historian Travis Holt's cemetery stories because they "give a voice to those who have gone before us."

Kellie Schulze, owner of Buffalo Base Camp in Kingston, said she hopes to share what she learns with visitors to her business.

"The more information I can get, the more I can pass on to other people," Schulze said. "I love this place. I love it for Jasper. I love it for Newton County."

Holt, who spoke about the region's history during the afternoon program, said he was encouraged by the turnout.

"I was impressed at the number of people that showed up," Holt said. "It was an honor to get out and speak."

The event also drew community leaders, including Jasper Mayor Mike Thomas, underscoring the museum's role as a gathering place for preserving and sharing Newton County's history. Organizers said events like the open house help preserve the county's stories while encouraging future generations to appreciate the people, places and traditions that shaped the Ozarks.

The Mountains and Skye

07/21/2026

❤️ Thank You for Making Our Open House a Success! ❤️

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to the Bradley House Museum Open House! We had a wonderful turnout, and we are so grateful to everyone who took the time to join us, explore the museum, enjoy the food, and celebrate the history of our community.

A very special thank you to our wonderful speakers for sharing their time, knowledge, and stories with us. We truly enjoyed hearing from Joei Phillips, Adam Willis, Fawn Kurtzo, and Travis Holt. Each presentation gave us a unique look into the traditions, history, people, and stories that make Newton County such a special place.

We are thankful for everyone who helped make the day such a success. Your support and enthusiasm for preserving and sharing our local history mean so much to us!

We look forward to seeing you again at the Bradley House Museum! 🏛️📚❤️

07/17/2026

Join us for a fun-filled day of local history at the Bradley House Museum this Saturday from 10:00 - 3:00 for our Open House.

07/15/2026

📚 History Comes to Life at the Bradley House Museum Open House! 🏛️

One of the highlights of our Open House on Saturday, July 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. is a lineup of engaging speakers who will share stories, knowledge, and practical insights into Newton County's rich heritage.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

🌾 Joei Phillips – Newton County Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
Learn about traditional and modern food preservation methods and how these time-honored techniques have helped families make the most of their harvests.

🚜 Adam Willis – Newton County Extension Agent
Discover the history of farming and logging in Newton County and how these industries shaped the lives of generations who called this area home.

🌳 Fawn Kurtzo – Director, Newton County Library
Interested in your family history? Fawn will share helpful tips and resources for genealogy research, making it easier to uncover your family's story.

📖 Travis Holt – Newton County Historical Society
Enjoy captivating stories about the men and women who lived, worked, and helped shape the history of Newton County.

Whether you're passionate about local history, curious about your family's roots, or simply enjoy learning something new, there's something for everyone!

✨ Admission is FREE, and we'll also have hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones available throughout the day.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and join us as we celebrate the people, traditions, and history of Newton County at the Bradley House Museum. We can't wait to see you there!

07/06/2026

🎉 Celebrating our Heritage at the Bradley House Museum! 🏛️

You're invited to our Open House on Saturday, July 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled day of local history, great food, and fellowship!

🌭 Enjoy FREE hot dogs, snow cones, and popcorn while you explore the museum and learn about our community's rich heritage.

📖 Throughout the day, we'll be offering historical talks on a variety of fascinating topics, giving you the opportunity to discover stories from the past and ask questions along the way.

Admission is FREE, so bring your family, friends, and anyone who enjoys history—or is simply looking for a great way to spend the day!

📅 Saturday, July 18
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Bradley House Museum

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the history that makes our community so special. We hope to see you there!

04/11/2026

It started with a drawer of dusty files I found at the Bradley House Museum at Jasper, and ended not far from there with the placement of stones for fifteen people I began to refer to as 'The Forgotten.' It was a long project, but I was honored to be able to do it! Thank yall so much and I hope you like the article!

‘For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.’-Ecclesiastes 9:5. I’ve had a …