The Belle Museum
Join Our Family!
Make a Monetary Donation
The Belle Museum was brought into existence by Delbert and Mary Belle Ervin. They collected the artifacts, purchased the property and display materials, and through their physical efforts, made their dream a reality. While they were alive, they also provided the ongoing financial support which kept the museum open to the public.
Now that they are no longer with us, the responsibility of preserving their legacy falls upon the community they loved. Without committed and ongoing financial support from the community, the museum cannot remain in existence. That's why we are calling on all those who cherish the past and want to see it preserved for future generations to consider a one-time gift or ongoing sponsorship of the museum.
Belle Museum, Inc, incorporated in 2024, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so all donations are tax deductible. To make a donation, send your check to Belle Museum, PO Box 1217, Charleston, AR 72933. To donate online, click the link below and choose a level you're comfortable with.
Volunteer Your Time and Expertise
The Belle Museum is operated solely by volunteers. Members of the Belle Museum Board manage the day-to-day operations of the museum and handle all legal and financial functions. Certain members of the board and other volunteers see that the museum is open to the public on a regular basis, that the collection is catalogued and maintained, and that the premises are kept presentable.
We welcome anyone from the community to join us in this ongoing effort.
Do you have a passion for the past, like meeting people, have office expertise or manual skills? Then we could definitely use your help. If you have an interest in a particular historical subject or period, we would welcome your help and suggestions on how the exhibits should be displayed.
One factor in the obtaining of grants is the number of days that the museum is open, so having volunteers who are willing to commit to opening the museum to the public on a regular basis is essential, and the more, the better.
Volunteer Professional Services
The Belle Museum, like any establishment, requires regular maintenance. Plumbing, heating and air conditioning, lawn care, and pest management can all incur significant expense. If your business is involved in these or related enterprises, please consider supporting the community by donating your services.
Donate Your Stuff
The heart of a historical museum is its collection of artifacts and the narratives attached to them. Its stuff and stories. We are always on the lookout for objects, images, and documents that shed light on what life was like in our area in the recent and remote past. If you have anything that you think might spark someone's interest, please consider donating or loaning it to the Belle Museum.
We also welcome donations of household and other items that we might be able to offer to the public through occasional online fundraising auctions.