Garland County Historical Society

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Mission & Vision

Since 1960, the Garland County Historical Society (based in Hot Springs, Arkansas) has collected, preserved, and educated the public about the history of Garland County. With over 40,000 photographs and other items in our searchable database, numerous newspapers, manuscripts, maps, books, and other materials, we have one of Arkansas’ most outstanding local history collections.

History + Art 2024!

GCHS President Bitty Martin, Alison Parsons, and GCHS Marketing Committee Member Kim Baron

Alison Parsons is GCHS’s 2024 artist in our ongoing History + Art project!

President Bitty Martin says, “Alison is one of Hot Springs’ most enduring and beloved artists with a legacy based on her paintings of the unique architecture of Bathhouse Row. That is why the Historical Society is so honored to present her artistic vision of our city’s iconic crystal fountain.”

The crystal fountain that inspired Alison’s art was at the junction of Central, Whittington, and Park avenues from 1950 to 1971 (as seen in the postcard above).

You can purchase short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, tea towels, canvas totes, 11” by 17” posters, stickers, and postcards that feature Alison’s design at garlandcountyhistoricalsociety.com, or at our archives in person or by phone (501.321.2159) from 9am to 1pm, Mondays through Fridays.

Thank you for your support! Sales help fund our preservation and education work.

Join GCHS

Membership in the GCHS supports our mission of collecting, preserving, and educating the public about the history of Garland County.

We Thank Our Corporate Members

Augustus H. Garland Member

Samuel W. Fordyce Members

Hiram A. Whittington Members