207 W. Hale Avenue
Osceola, Arkansas
870-563-6161

While on the square in downtown Osceola, visitors should stop in at the Mississippi County Historical and Genealogical Society and its county museum housed in a 1902 and 1904 mercantile building. The Mississippi County Historical and Genealogical Society (MCHGS) was chartered in 1988 to promote, preserve, and protect the history of Mississippi County.

In 1993, the MCHGS found a permanent home in the historic Fred G. Patterson building, a former dry goods store. Lonetta Patterson, daughter of Fred G. Patterson, had previously donated the building and its contents to MCHGS for use as a historical center. With many original furnishings from the store’s inventory, MCHGS operates the old store as a museum and research center, displaying numerous art objects, paintings, and other historic memorabilia donated by various pioneer families. The museum also maintains a collection of reference materials relating to county history, including funeral home and cemetery records from much of the county. With the recent purchase of two adjacent buildings, MCHGS has expanded its research area and has included a gift shop and a coffee shop for visitors. The Patterson building was added to the National Historic Register in 1987.

During the building’s days as a dry goods store, it was Patterson’s custom to display his shoe inventory on the front porch entrance. Today, a single shoe placed in the store’s display window indicates that the museum is “open” for business.” Visitors to the museum will find out when the Mississippi River froze, the story of the first cars in Osceola, why the railroad was started, even when lighting came to Osceola, or how the drainage was done to make the farming even better. The museum provides information for those who want to take a walking or driving tour of Osceola as well as brochures that inform visitors about the rich history of the area, including music, art, military, and politics.

Visiting the Mississippi County Historical Museum
Monday - Friday: 10 am - 4 pm or by appointment
There is no charge to visit the Mississippi County Historical Museum, although donations are welcome.