Let’s Celebrate 150 Years!

Peel Museum & Botanical Garden 150th Anniversary Celebration

The Peel Compton Foundation is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden. Built in 1875, the Peel Museum is a treasured Bentonville landmark and one of the town’s oldest structures.

Samuel West Peel (lawyer, farmer, and Arkansas Congressman) and his wife Mary Emaline Berry made Bentonville their home after the Civil War. Legend says that during their courtship, Samuel West Peel promised Mary Emaline that he would build her a house like the ones she remembered from her childhood in Alabama. This house is the fulfillment of that promise. In 1875, the historic Italianate home was completed and the family moved in. At that time, the house totaled 14 rooms and had two stories plus a basement and tower. The brick and stone were supplied by John Braithwaite, the owner of the first brickyard in Bentonville.

Leave Your Mark

Support the Peel Compton Foundation by purchasing a customized brick paver. Each brick will be prominently displayed on sidewalks of the Peel grounds and serve as a timeless remembrance of your support of the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden. Proceeds from this campaign will help preserve the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden for future generations.

Purchase a Brick to:

  • Recognize family & friends
  • Memorialize a loved one
  • Honor someone special
  • Celebrate an anniversary
  • Support the Peel Museum

150th Anniversary Kick-Off

January

We are thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating the momentous 150th Anniversary of the iconic Peel Home! This milestone is a wonderful opportunity for you to experience the rich history of the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, where you can immerse yourself in its timeless charm. Throughout the year, we will be hosting a series of exciting events, and we would love for you to be a part of them. Additionally, you can leave your lasting legacy on this historic property by purchasing a commemorative brick, ensuring your connection to this beloved landmark for generations to come!

Classes

Year-Round

We are offering a variety of educational programs this year that bring together history, gardening, and hands-on learning! Our classes are designed for anyone interested in the traditions of the Victorian era, from gardening and floral arranging to the art of tea and homemaking. We also explore topics like mourning customs, preservation, and the history of the time of the Peel family!

After Hours

Year-Round Seasonally

We know life can get busy, so we’ve extended our hours to give everyone the chance to explore Bentonville’s history each month!

Step inside the historic Peel home and experience life in the 1800s as you explore each room, thoughtfully arranged to highlight the charm of the Victorian era.

These events are free and open to the public, available on a seasonal basis. Join us on March 20th, April 17th, September 18th, October 16th, and December 11th – in the evenings, after the museum would normally close!

150th Community Picnic

June 1

In celebration of the Peel Home’s 150th Anniversary, we invite you to join us for a special community picnic. Come together with friends, family, and neighbors as we commemorate this milestone and enjoy a day of shared history, beautiful gardens, and lively festivities!

School Days

September 9-12

Be a part of one of Bentonville’s most treasured educational events! School Days has been hosted at Peel Museum & Botanical Garden for nearly 20 years, welcoming 4th grade students and their teachers to dive into the rich history of Northwest Arkansas and life in the 1800s.

Christmas at the Peel Museum

December 5

Christmas at the Peel Museum is a festive and intimate celebration set in the historic Peel Museum & Botanical Garden. This year will be extra special, as we celebrate 150 years of this beloved Bentonville landmark.

150th Preservation of Peel Museum Endowment Fund

Leadership Level

Lamar and Shari Steiger
Doug and Shelley McMillon
Phil and Dayna Martz
Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Becky and Bob Alexander Charitable Foundation
Cynthia Coughlin
Michael and Kathleen Coughlin

Heritage Level

Chip and Susan Chambers
Harrison and Rhonda French

Steward Level

Neff and Scarlett Basore
Jimmy and Deborah Reynolds
Jim Smith and Rebecca Hurst
Mark and Amber Bray
Tom and Becky McCoy
Jimm and Janet Hendren

Thank You to Our 150th Anniversary Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors