The McDonald County Historical Society was originally organized with a not for profit status in 1963 by a group of 33 members; Ms. Pauline Carnell as the founding President. The current organization recognizes Ms. Mary Lauri and Ms. Zella May Collie as life time members; the remaining members of the original group of 33.
The Society provides entertaining and exciting programs every other month, beginning in January. The meeting place in Pineville is at the “new” courthouse (Hwy W) at 2:00p.m. on the 3rd Sunday of that month.
The “first” County Courthouse that was erected originally in Rutledge was donated to the Society by the Eppard family in 2006. Partnering with the County Commissioners, this log courthouse was moved to Pineville and sits behind the “new” courthouse on W Hwy, north of the square.
The Society accepted a contract from the County Commissioners in 2007 to maintain the Old Sheriff’s House located on Harmon Street. It was here that McDonald County’s first County Museum was established.
The Society then accepted a contract from the County in 20110 to move into the Historic Courthouse on the square. The Society hosed the grand opening of the Museum in the Courthouse on May 22, 2013.
Today you can learn more about different opportunities to help the Society. We need your help in three different ways. We need financial support to keep the Museum open and free to the public. We need your time to help keep the doors open. We need your histories and stories.
You can visit us on Facebook at McDonald County Historical Society or check our website out.