The Belle Museum
News
Peggy Konert Book-signing
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the museum hosted a book-signing event with Peggy Konert offering readings from her new novel The Holy Ghost and a Shine of Coal, a coming-of-age work of historical fiction featuring an adventurous 10-year-old girl exploring the environs of 1940s Paris, Arkansas. This event was very well received as well, resulting in good conversations. The book sales were helped by Misty Hawkins’s purchase of a number of copies for the River Valley libraries.
Jim Yeager Presentation
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, author and blogger Jim Yeager gave a presentation entitled "When Baseball was Arkansas’ Game," detailing the history of baseball in the coal belt of Western Arkansas. He also offered his books for sale. The presentation was very well received and sparked some interesting discussions.
CHS History Class Visits
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Don Smith gave presentations to three history classes from CHS. Over 100 young people were given insights into the greatest generation and were introduced to the treasures contained at the museum. Those interested were encouraged to volunteer their services.
Candidate Forum
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, a candidate forum was held in the Belle Museum chapel. Candidates for the state house of representatives and the state senate introduced themselves and stated their positions on various topics. This was followed by an lively question and answer session.
