Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Entrance

The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is wholeheartedly dedicated to local history and culture, both past and present. To live up to this mission, the Museum is currently focusing on updating their language and exhibits to reflect the diversity of the local community including the region’s Marshallese and Latinx populations. 

The Museum features an accessible location: It is next to an Ozark Regional Transit bus stop, bordered by the Razorback Regional Greenway, and there’s exciting new development happening just a block away at Emma Avenue. Even when the Museum’s seven historic buildings are closed for the day, its grounds remain open to the public. Neighbors gather to catch up, walk their dogs, or enjoy the gardens.

With this grant, Project for Public Spaces and the Shiloh Museum will take full advantage of its prime location by extending its welcoming atmosphere from inside the buildings to the outdoors. Together, we'll explore ways of amplifying existing qualities—the Museum’s free admission and programming as well as picnic tables—and discover what other factors can make the grounds an even more vibrant space for programming, events, gatherings, and independent activities.

Some early ideas include focusing attention on signage, lighting, and improving accessibility. By connecting to the rest of downtown Springdale, this effort will provide more ways for the community to engage with the grounds, each other, and local history.