If you’re looking to do research, the following local agencies provide a wealth of resources. The historical society itself conducts research into the history of Washington County. For instance, in 2015 the Washington County Historical Society produced an “Annotated Bibliography on Black Settlers of Washington County, Arkansas” to help researchers who want to study the African American pioneers of the county. In 2025 the WCHS introduced an extensively updated version of the annotated bibliography. That updated version of the bibliography is available here: Black Settlers Annotated Bibliography.1
The original annotated bibliography was compiled by John Erwin and the Black Setters Committee of the Washington County Historical Society, supported by funding from a Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant from the Black History Commission of Arkansas, a division of the Arkansas History Commission. The update, completed in 2024, was done by J. B. Hogan.
The WCHS has also produced a more generalized Sources for Research listing, that covers books, newspapers, maps, photographs, city directories, and more. To access that list, click here: Research
Because of the excellent and comprehensive research facilities available in Northwest Arkansas, the Washington County Historical Society has chosen to be an interpretive museum rather a research facility.
Photos show aftermath of 1880 Fayetteville Tornado
On the Sunday evening of April 18, 1880, a tornado struck the Square, the center of Fayetteville, demolishing numerous buildings and leaving one dead and others seriously injured.
The next day, local photographer John Hansard, whose studio on the Square was damaged by the storm, took a series of stereoscopic photographs of the destruction which he titled "Ruins of Fayetteville." In the 1880s, this photographic recording of the aftermath of a tornado almost immediately after the event was highly unusual.
Allan Gates wrote about these photographs in the Spring 2026 issue of Flashback. He has made those images available for posting on the WCHS website so that readers can study them more closely. To view the stereoscopic images, click here: Tornado Images.
There are a number of excellent research facilities in Northwest Arkansas, each of which is staffed by professionals who can help you with your research.
Grace Keith Genealogical Collection, Fayetteville Public Library, Corner of School and Mountain Streets, Fayetteville, AR 72701. 479-856-7250. This is one of the most comprehensive genealogical research facilities in this region. The staff will do research for individuals at a nominal charge. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.faylib.org
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 West Johnson, Springdale, AR 72764. 479-750-8165. This facility has an outstanding collection of historical photographs as well as other research material although it is primarily a museum and not a research facility. Please call in advance if you wish to use any of their research materials. For photo info the email is [email protected]. Website: www.ShilohMuseum.org.
Special Collections, Mullins Library, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701. 479-575-5577. Toll free number is 866-818-8115. FAX: 479-575-6656. This facility has an extensive collection of original documents and photographs covering many aspects of Arkansas history. Website: libinfo.uark.edu/SpecialCollections
Copies of old Flashbacks are available for purchase. Please contact the WCHS office for information on ordering (479-521-2970). Our hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 1-4PM. The Fayetteville Public Library also has a complete set of our historical journal, Flashback, and an index. See Fayetteville Public Library above. Digital copies of Flashback dating from its beginning in 1951 to recent issues are now available on the Internet Archive; search: Flashback Collection
The following websites can also provide research material:
For Washington County, Arkansas records:
