museum of native american history

We were in Bentonville to tour Crystal Bridges and decided to take a tour of the Museum of Native American History. We were thoroughly impressed by the quality and content of the museum. I would not miss the opportunity to visit this Museum!

We were pleasantly surprised at the quality and extent of the historical presentations in this small museum. My husband and I have visited first class museums in Colorado and Oklahoma and found these displays equal to ones found in much larger facilities. The gift shop was very reasonable and had a nice selection. We will definitely return again!

This museum has a truly remarkable collection of Native American artifacts testifying to the artistic abilities and highly skilled, patient craftsmanship by native people in many regions of North America. The scope of the exhibits is wide, the displays exceptionally well done, the welcoming attitude and helpfulness of the staff beyond any reasonable expectation, and that there is no charge for admission make this museum absolutely a must-see for anyone with even a shred of interest in Native American crafts and culture.

I have always been fascinated by the Indians of North America since I was a small child. I have even collected many artifacts myself since I was 9 yrs. old. I have been to many small town museums which had very good artifacts from their local area but nothing like this museum. I am like so many on this site. When arriving at the museum I thought it would be the same as all the others I had visited in the past, but I was so wrong. When my wife and I entered the front door there was a fossilized wooly mammoth fully intact standing there. I knew then this wasn't going to be the usual tour. From that point on this unassuming building held the most amazing collection of Indian artifacts from all over America. There are literally thousands of arrow heads. You can view spear points, atlatls, clothing, pottery, head dresses and so many more things from their history. I do not think anyone can accurately describe this collection in all of its glory.I am not from this area. I live in Louisiana some 9 hours from Bentonville but I would recommend this museum to everyone who is truly into American Indian history. I willbe back for another visit. We had a pleasant visit with staff at the museum and they were telling us the exhibits are constantly changing with new items.

My husband and I visited the Museum of Native American History today and were so pleasantly surprised by how many rare and intact artifacts are there, from arrowheads and grinding stones to headdresses and unique face-shaped and animal-shaped bottles and bowls. There is even a mammoth skeleton to usher you into the reception area. We were handed audioguides, which were extremely helpful, as was the friendly curator. Will definitely visit time and again!

2nd trip thro Bentonville, this time I made a point to stop here . Time well spent. I'm a re-enactor and was on my way to Austin Texas for a large POW_WOW. I look at things that help me to dress, act, correctly, ( I do everything by hand the way they did), and to learn the real story of how it was, to live back then. I do stop at other places went on a trip, which help's me as well! I was very impressed with everything here. Everything well displayed. Also the staff was very helpful. You must get there when they open, and spend at least 2 or 3 hrs. The staff can spend time talking to you before it gets busy. Sorry to said the gift shop was not authentic, which was a shame. I will attend again, and this time I'll take a lot more pictures. I was one of those kid's who hated history, and now at age 65 I can't learn enough.

This is a great place to learn more of the history of the early days of our nation. Many artifacts and narratives to describe the items you see. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

I live less than a mile away from this museum and walked there one day with my daughter. What a pleasant surprise! The extensive collection of Indian artifacts is beautifully displayed and very educational. You can take as little or as much time as you want exploring the displays and engaging in the hands-on activities. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

The Museum of Native American History was a wonderful surprise. The staff was warm and welcoming. The exhibits are incredible and very educational for our three teens. I was curious to know how much involvement Native Americans had in the acquisitions of the artifacts and the running of the Museum. I haven't been able to find much information on whether this is a private museum or a government run or not for profit foundation. The gift shop was stocked with not so authentic native looking crafts. I would certainly recommend visiting the museum. The artifacts are truly amazing.

Dear Richard H. of Dallas, Texas, A history buff who writes such a great review means so much to us and to our future visitors. We love new visitors, because it makes US happy to see the delightful surprise on their faces on discovering this hidden treasure in a residential neighborhood-- even though the museum is minutes away from the historic Bentonville Square and Crystal Bridges Art Museum. We look forward to your next visit. Here are a few calendar events for March-- March 20th the museum debuts the Jim and Nancy Blair Meso-American Art Exhibit. March 28th--begins 'Tipi Talks' with John Two Hawks. --And speaking of books... on March 20th The Museum of Native American History releases our new book with beautiful photography of some of our finest artifacts by Matt Rowe, Museum Curator.See you soon...Dallas is a mere road trip away...CharlotteCharlotte Buchanan-YaleDirector

Dear Phil M. of Springfield, MO., We look forward to your next visit-- since you are practically a neighbor, And we thank you for sharing your review and inspiring more people make the Museum of Native American History a destination.Charlotte Buchanan-YaleDirector

Spent an interesting 30 minutes here. The museum lacks historical context--mainly just artifacts. They were interesting to look at--but not more than that.

Dear MWappleton of Dallas, TX., Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review of your visit. I have been here for over two years and everyday I seem to stop in front of one of the displays and discover a new aspect of a personal story of the creator who made the artifact and the finer details of the artwork I have passed by. I once interviewed David Bogle, the creator and visionary of the Museum of Native American History and I asked him if he had intended to create a world class museum. He answered no, but then one day realized that he was curating a great story with each artifact that would add more dimension to the 14,000 year story the museum tells of Native American History from South, Central and North Americas. There is a lot brewing in 2015 from new exhibits to new events. Watch our website for details. We look forward to your next visitCharlotte Buchanan-YaleDirector

Dear Rita H. of Holland, IN., Thank you for taking the time to visit the Museum of Native American History on your visit to NW Arkansas. Mr. David Bogle has indeed created a wonderful environment, however sharing it with our guests is a true honor and privilege. Thank you for such a lovely review...until next time...Sincerely,Charlotte Buchanan-YaleDirector

Dear Robin M from Little Rock, We love people visiting the Museum of Native American History for the first time, because most likely it won't be your last. It took me four years to get here and when I walked in I couldn't believe this treasure is in my back yard of NW Arkansas...as the saying goes, 'I liked it so much--I now work here.' It is our dedication to keep giving more dimension to the history of Native American life and to let the imaginations of our visitors soar as the walk in the moccasins of those who lived here before us. Thank you for such a great review. We look forward to your next visit.Charlotte Buchanan-YaleDirector