Faulkner County Historical Museum Preserves Conway, Arkansas Past

Faulkner County and Conway in central Arkansas have doubled in size in the last decade, but the members of Faulkner County Historical Society are determined to preserve the past, even as the area braces for the future. The Faulkner County Museum is full of artifacts from the Native Americans who were the first to settle the area to the turn of the century German and Scottish immigrants that built Conway, Arkansas and the surrounding area.

The museum, housed in the original 1898 Faulkner County jail, includes a gallery of work by local artists in the front room. Also in the front room is an original heavy key from the jail. Conway has been home to many sports legends, including Scotty Pippin of the Chicago Bulls, and the museum has an extensive collection of memorabilia celebrating their accomplishments.

Far from being a dry collection of artifacts, the museum features exhibits that allow the artifacts to be displayed as they might have been used. A doctor's office features fully stocked doctor's bags, a wicker wheel chair and early medical implements. There is also a list of early county doctors, many of whom left descendants that still practice medicine in the county.

There is also a kitchen outfitted with equipment ranging from late the 19^th century to early the 20^th century, including an early electric refrigerator, a hoosier cabinet and a wood-burning cook stove.

Also included in the museum is a soda fountain, mounted along a wall with original bar stools.

A replica of a turn of the century general store is one of the most popular exhibits. The shelves are lined with authentic patent medicine packaging, flour scales, a working cash register and pictures of some of Faulkner County's early businesses. The exhibit is lit by the original fixtures from Faulkner County's first department store.

Native American's first settle the area by Cadron Creek, and the museum features arrow heads and pottery from the area and from Greenbrier. In addition to the Native American artifacts, there are also artifacts from the first white settlers who also made their home at Cadron.

Just outside of the main building is a dog-trot cabin. Tours of the cabin are available, but an appointment is a good idea.

Admission to the Faulkner County Museum is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. The building's roof is in poor repair, and there are several exhibits that have been canceled for fear of damage due to the roof leaking. Donations will help to repair the building.