Historic Cane Hill is pleased to host an exhibition of historic furniture crafted by Northwest Arkansas makers in the 19th Century to be held August 16 through October 25, 2025.

Treasured Chests: 19th Century Furniture by Northwest Arkansas Craftsmen celebrates the rich furniture-making traditions of Northwest Arkansas, featuring selections of more than 25 pieces of historic handcrafted work from Cane Hill and
the surrounding area.

The early settlers of the rugged Ozark Mountains faced the challenge to forge the necessary trappings of life from the resources at hand. Their success relied on a creative spirit, ingenuity, and artisan skills, resulting in furniture that was often well-designed and aesthetically pleasing.

Exhibition highlights include a chest of drawers constructed by an enslaved Black man from Lincoln, Arkansas, and a walnut hutch made by one of the first White settlers of Cane Hill. This first-of-its-kind exhibition will contain curated treasures
from the collections of the Historic Arkansas Museum, Fort Smith History Museum, John Brown University Archives, Rogers Historical Museum, Siloam Springs Museum, Historic Cane Hill Museum, and private collectors.

This unique collection of furniture, created from material harvested from native forests, showcases a variety of vernacular interpretations of classic designs, from simple to high-style. Historic Cane Hill is thrilled to bring this collection together for Northwest Arkansas to enjoy.

Exhibition opening events will be held Saturday August 16, 2025 from 10 am – 3 pm at the Historic Cane Hill College, 14327 State Hwy 45, Canehill, AR 72717. The public is invited to attend.