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Artifact of the Week — January 4, 2024

The Smithsonian is Here! For the past six months, Old Independence Regional Museum has been working arduously to present our patrons with an outstanding exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street we are calling “A Taste of Community”. This exhibit’s focus is on food and how it defines us, shows our individuality, but, … Continue reading »

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Artifact of the Week — September 14, 2023

Poor Farm Cemetery In 1851, an Arkansas law for “indoor relief” for the poor was enacted. This was the basis for the Poor Farm in Independence County. With access to 120 acres of land purchased by Independence County along with an 18’ x 20’ log cabin constructed for $143.75, the idea became a reality and … Continue reading »

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Artifact of the Week — August 31, 2023

Bowling for Food Gay King arrived last week with several mementos from her father’s, Mr. C. T. Bennet’s, collection. From his earliest childhood christening gown to his foot locker filled with dress uniforms, Mr. Bennet’s life is spelled out in his clothing. This particular artifact is a bowling shirt made of fine Egyptian cotton. The … Continue reading »

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Artifact of the Week — August 24, 2023

The Rise and Fall of Arkansas’s Pearling Industry Old Independence Regional Museum is giving many of its exhibits new life. The Depression-Era Back Porch exhibit is currently being transformed into a Fishing Shack. We have oral and written histories on fishing, shelling, pearling, and button manufacturing along with a collection of artifacts to showcase in … Continue reading »

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Artifact of the Week — July 27, 2023

Feather Crowns A strange phenomenon occurred every so often when a family member died a century ago. This was a time when pillows were hand-ticked with feathers pulled from the farm’s chickens, geese, and ducks. The feathers were collected, cleaned, and dried before placing them in a pillow ticking. The opening was sewn shut and … Continue reading »

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