Izard County Historical and Genealogical Society

Discussions concerning the formation of a historical society for Izard County began in the summer of 1969 after interested individuals Margaret Ghelfi, Audrey Brooks, and Helen Lindley began to promote such a group to preserve the history of the local area. An organizational meeting was held at the Trimble Campground Church in Dolph (Izard County) on the last Sunday in November, with about thirty-three people in attendance. A second organizational meeting was held in Melbourne (Izard County), where the Izard County Historical Society was formed. Its major goal was publishing a quarterly magazine, and the first issue of the Izard County Historian was published in January 1970 with Helen Lindley as editor. Eighty-three charter members elected Tom Simpson president. Quarterly meetings were held around the county.

Over the years, the society has had some struggles. In 1989, the society ceased meeting and publication of the Historian was suspended due to the declining health of longtime editor Helen Lindley. By 1996 the society was reinvigorated with a broader focus and a name change to the Izard County Historical and Genealogical Society. Most importantly, the journal began publication again. The society has also published books on county schools and families, and members have promoted local history in the schools through essay contests. In May 2010, the society assisted in the placement of a historical marker at the site of the Civil War Skirmish of Lunenburg, and, in June 2010, the society dedicated the 1856 Trimble House log cabin after it had been relocated and restored.

The society continues to meet four times a year, in January, April, July, and October. Yearly membership numbers about 225.

For additional information:
Ghelfi, Margaret Meade. “The Organization of the Izard County Historical Society.” Izard County Historian 9 (April 1978): 40–44.

Mike Polston
CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas