Delta Gateway Museum: A Portal to Northeast Arkansas History

The Delta Gateway Museum, located in Blytheville, Arkansas, offers a captivating journey through the history of the Arkansas Delta region. The museum's mission is to tell the story of Blytheville and the surrounding area by interpreting the land and its impact on the people. Housed in the historic Kress Building, a landmark of Art Deco architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum itself is a piece of history. The Kress Building, built in 1938, was one of the first in the area to use steel I-beams in its construction and the first retail establishment with full air conditioning. The Delta Gateway Museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including prehistoric and historic Native American cultures, the timber industry, the development of cotton agriculture, and the impact of the Blytheville Air Force Base and the steel industry. Visitors can explore exhibits on the New Madrid earthquakes, the Mississippi River's role in the region, and the evolution of agriculture in the Delta. The museum also hosts temporary art exhibitions and children's art shows. The museum provides free, heritage-based cultural and educational opportunities for people of all ages. With its diverse collection and engaging exhibits, the Delta Gateway Museum offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the Arkansas Delta.