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The Washington County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 with the mission to discover, preserve, and celebrate the history of Washington County, Arkansas, and to share that heritage with others.
To carry out this mission, the Society manages and maintains historic properties and sponsors activities such as the annual Battle of Fayetteville observance, Heritage School, walking tours of historic Fayetteville, Statehood Day, and Diverse Settlers programs. It also collaborates with other local and state organizations to identify and maintain historic sites.
The WCHS manages several significant historical properties including the Headquarters House Museum, the Law Office of Gov. Archibald Yell, and the Ridge House. Surrounding Headquarters House are gardens established by the Tebbetts family who built the house before the Civil War. All Society properties are open to the public during limited hours.Tours for both groups and individuals are easily scheduled.
WCHS Holiday Reception Scheduled
The holidays are weeks away, but those weeks will speed by, as we all know. It's time to mark your calendars now for the WCHS Holiday Reception. Note down Sunday, December 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Headquarters House (118 E. Dickson, Fayetteville). As always, there will be good food, good holiday aromas, good spirits, visiting with good people, and pictures with Santa. We'll all be there, and we are looking forward to seeing you, too.
WCHS 2026 Distinguished Citizens
Three outstanding individuals were recently named as the WCHS 2026 Distinguished Citizens. Jan Lefler, Lindsley Smith, and Stephen Smith were recognized at the society's Annual Meeting October 4 at Mount Sequoyah.
Jan Lefler (right, top photo) was honored for her years of service as a Master Gardener in the Headquarters House Gardens. She is an accomplished gardener who has kept detailed records of plant species in the Headquarters House Gardens for 18 years.
Lindsley Smith (right, center) has served the state as a legislator (2005-2010) where she sponsored the Arkansas Heritage Trails System Act, and created a project to recognize women in the Arkansas General Assembly. She co-authored the book A Centennial History of Arkansas Women Legislators.
Stephen Smith (right, bottom) also served in the Arkansas General Assembly and was chief of staff to Attorney General Bill Clinton, administrative assistant to Gov. Clinton, and vice president of the 1979-1980 Constitutional Convention. He has been active in historic preservation projects in the county and co-authored A Centennial History of Arkansas Women Legislators.
returning this fall - "The madness of edgar allan poe: a love story"
This fall WCHS teams up again with Arkansas Classical Theatre in its presentation of "The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe." The production will again be staged at Headquarters House (118 E. Dickson) and will run September 25-October 31. The house provides a unique setting for the David Rice play, which was a major sold-out hit in fall 2025.
Tickets can be purchased through this link: Madness of Edgar Allan Poe
The play is described as "...an inventive, immersive theatrical experience that weaves Poe's life, loves, losses, and legendary tales into one unforgettable evening. Moving between the man and the macabre stories that made him immortal, the play invites audiences into a world where memory and madness blur - and where Poe's own tragic love story may be the most haunting tale of all."
Tours
Group and Individual
The historic Headquarters House and Gardens are open to the public. Both group and individual tours can easily be scheduled. Call the WCHS office at (479) 521-2970 to make tour arrangements.
Membership
Join Today
Become a member of the Washington County Historical Society today! For the Member Application form, go to "Join" in the menu bar of this website.
You can upgrade your WCHS membership to Explorer Level or above ($100 or more) and receive free access to 1,380 Museums & Cultural Institutions across North America. Visit North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM) at www.narmassociation.org for other museums you can access for FREE or stop by the WCHS Office at 118 E. Dickson and ask for a brochure.
recognizing the enslaved people of headquarters house
The enslaved people owned by Jonas and Matilda Tebbetts will now be recognized in Headquarters House. A framed poster with brief biographies of Amy, Tom, Harris, "Unknown Male," and Betty was presented to those attending the Statehood Day Lecture on June 14. The backgrounds of the five individuals were researched by Dr. Georgena Duncan, retired history professor and dean of liberal and fine arts at Arkansas Tech University. WCHS board member Peggy Chenault proposed the poster and oversaw its production.
