A Museum for Margaret

Poplar Bluff Museums tell many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Margaret Harwell was a local artist. After graduating business school she opened her own insurance agency. Margaret was a civic leader and involved in many community organizations. As a member of the local Artists Guild she worked hard at bringing art to Poplar Bluff. She adorned many businesses with paintings just to display the artists. Her goal was to someday establish an art museum in Poplar Bluff.

Margaret passed away in 1977. She left a large part of her estate to the city in order to fund an art museum. In 1980 the city of Poplar Bluff purchased the famous Moore-Dalton Mansion on Main Street for that purpose. In 1981, the doors were opened to the Margaret Harwell Art Museum. It was a dream come true.

The Moore-Dalton Mansion is a work of architectural art in itself. Built in 1883 by Thomas Moore, it was later purchased by the Poplar Bluff captain of industry James Dalton. Dalton made further improvements to the mansion. It was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Today the Margaret Harwell Art Museum is the focal point of culture in Poplar Bluff. Local and international artists have exhibited their works here. The Museum has sponsored street fairs and “Run for the Arts.” It is a center for art classes for all ages. Margaret would be proud.

The Museum is open free of charge Tuesday through Friday 12-4 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday 1-4 p.m. at 421 N. Main Street. The first thing you will see when you enter is a lovely portrait of our favorite benefactor Margaret Harwell. Please say hello and thank you for her beautiful museum.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.