Who We Are
The Scott County Museum of History was established in the spring of 2021. There were talks and proposals for a museum in Scott county dating back to 2017, but no thorough effort was ever made. With the county's old courthouse sitting empty for over a decade, there was a need to re-purpose the building. Local business owner Gary Blythe had talked for several years about potentially donating his personal museum collection to the county for further public enjoyment. Gary was eventually approached by local historian Ty Richardson in the Fall of 2020 about donating his collection and helping to establish a new museum in the old courthouse. After several months of deliberation, Gary agreed that his collection should be passed on for future generations to enjoy. Mr. Richardson and local historian Carolyn Hannah began working with Gary and Judge James Forbes on establishing The Scott County Museum of History in the old courthouse. Work began immediately in the Spring of 2021 to rehabilitate the first floor, as well as relocate the entirety of Blythe's Museum to its new home. The Scott County Museum of History became a designated 501c3 organization in January of 2022. The museum was officially opened on May 14, 2022.
Gary Blythe
Gary was born in Waldron, Arkansas in 1941 to Floyd and Lora (Little) Blythe. His interest in history started at a young age. He began collecting artifacts around the age of 10. Gary was later enlisted in the Air Force and became a member of the 188th Air National Guard in Fort Smith. He eventually transferred to the 296th Army National Guard in Charleston, AR where he retired as a Motor Pool Sergeant. During his time in the military, Gary collected items from all over the world that would later be displayed in Blythe's Museum here in Waldron. Gary was also the owner and operator of Blythe's Garage and Towing. He also added a Gun and Pawn Shop later. Gary was a former member and past president of the Waldron Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the VFW Waldron Post, the American Legion, and the Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier Tourism organization. Gary loved Scott County and his museum reflected that. He was renowned for his story telling abilities and had a story for every item in his museum. Gary donated his collection of artifacts to the Scott County Museum of History in June of 2021 to ensure that they would be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Board of Directors
Ty Richardson
Jake Parks
Angie Hunsucker
Sherry Johnston
Carolyn Davis Hanna
Dana Stockton
President / Director
Ty's family settled in Scott County in the mid 19th Century and have been here for more than six generations. He has always had a passion for local history. Ty attended school at the University of Arkansas where he recived a BS in Landscape Architectural Studies and a BA in American History. He later attended school at the University of Pennsylvania where he recived his Masters in Historic Preservation. After working at the National Park Service for a brief period, Ty returned home to Waldron and began working as a Historic Preservation Consultant and an Adjunct History Professor at UA Rich Mountain. In the Spring of 2021 he began helping to establish SCOMOH and took on the job as Director of the Museum. He is currently still teaching at UA Rich Mountain as well.
Vice-President
Jake grew up in Boles, Arkansas here in Scott County and has always had a passion for local history. He has a particular interest in Native American history and Metal Detecting. Jake has recently helped participate in several archeaological digs on behalf of the Museum. Currently Jake is employed at the State Highway Department.
Secretary
Angie's family has resided in Scott County for more than five generations. She holds a BFA in Education/Language Arts and made her career as a teacher before retiring. Angie and her husband Todd have owned and operated several Waldron businesses. Angie is also currently serving as a School Board member for Waldron Public Schools.
Treasurer
Sherry is a long time resident of Scott County. Her parents established the Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival here in Scott County in the 1980's. She worked for 20 years in local government before recently retiring. Sherry currently volunteers with several local and regional non-profits.
Historical Society Liaison
Carolyn's Scott County roots go back four generations. She is an active Genealogist in the community and has served for 22 years as a board member of The Scott County Historical and Genealogical Society. She also volunteers for multiple charities and other organizations. In the Spring of 2021 Carolyn began helping to establish SCOMOH along with Director Ty Richardson andis very passionate about keeping Scott County's history alive.
Research Assistant and Museum Volunteer
Mission Statement
The Scott County Museum of History's Mission is to accurately inform and educate people about the history of Scott County, Arkansas and the surrounding Ouachita Region, to preserve the Old Scott County Courthouse, to collect and preserve artifacts from the greater Ouachita region and to preserve and maintain the Gary Blythe Collection of artifacts.
Additional Objectives
SCOMOH in no way condones the destruction, removal, condemnation, vandalism or revisionist reinterpretation of any historical monuments, memorials, statues, signage, or grave markers regarding Early European Explorers, the Nation’s Founding Fathers, Revolutionary War Patriots, The American Revolution, Confederate Historical Figures, The War Between the States, and other Southern Historical Figures. In accordance with our current Mission, SCOMOH will seek to preserve any and all historical items, artifacts, relics, recordings, papers material, etc. regarding the aforementioned historical topics.
Bylaws and Reports
All SCOMOH bylaws and reports are available upon request from the director of the museum.
Planning a Visit
Special accommodations can be made in advance for larger groups. We will be closed on major holidays. Please check our calendar before visiting. Parking is available on West Third Street and at the Gazebo Parking Lot just north of the building.
If you are interested in additional information about Scott County or persons from Scott County, please visit the Scott County Historical and Genealogical Society located at 125 West Second Street.
Admission is completely Free! Donations are greatly appreciated though!
Handicap Accessibility
For those needing handicapped services, please use one of the two designated parking spaces at the back of our museum on Washington Street. Sidewalks and ramps are ADA compliant. For safety reasons, we keep the back doors locked, so please use the bell at the top of the ramp to notify an attendant of your arrival at the door. All indoor areas currently open to the public will accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.