About Us
Rotating exhibits are located in our downstairs galleries, history of the Moore-Dalton House and of the museum can be found in the parlor, and an impressive permanent collection is housed upstairs in the Friends gallery.
The museum owns several beautiful antiques, including:
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A Mason & Hamlin grand piano
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A Dalton Adding Machine, invented by James Dalton (of the Moore-Dalton House) and first manufactured here in Poplar Bluff
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A working Regina Upright Music Box, donated by the Long family in memory of Dr. Walker & Lettye C. Long
The Friends Gift Shop on the first floor features a selection of items handcrafted by local artists. The gift shop currently accepts cash and check and is working towards accepting card payments.
The Margaret Harwell Art Museum is a proud member of the Missouri Arts Council.
Our Story
The Margaret Harwell Art Museum owes its existence to the generosity of its namesake and benefactor, the late Margaret Harwell. An amateur artist, businesswoman and civic leader, Mrs. Harwell left a part of her estate to the
City of Poplar Bluff to establish a center for art classes and exhibits. An Arts and Museum Advisory Board was formed to take on the task, and in 1980, the city purchased the Moore-Dalton House to house the museum. The Margaret Harwell Art Museum opened to the public in November 1981.
Arts & Museum Advisory Board
Name | Date Appointed | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|
Janice Duffy | 6/4/2018 | 6/4/2027 |
Stephanie Letassy | 6/7/2021 | 6/7/2027 |
Rebecca Baker | 6/6/2023 | 6/7/2027 |
Corretta Bishop | 9/3/2024 | 6/7/2027 |
Joshua Allen | 12/19/2022 | 6/5/2028 |
Jason Vernon | 6/2/2025 | 6/5/2028 |
Tara Steffens (President) | 7/6/2020 | 6/4/2029 |
Harvey Heard | 6/5/2023 | 6/4/2029 |
Colby Moore | 6/1/2026 | 6/4/2029 |
David Boyer (Non-Voting, City Council Member) |
Friends of the Museum Board
Name | Position |
|---|---|
Randy Garrett | President |
Mary Ann Allen | Secretary |
Nancy Boyer | |
Carol Davis | Gift Shop |
Laura Dowd | Membership |
Marty Harlan | Treasurer |
Alice Shelton | |
Rose Anne Stanard | |
Steve Whitworth | |
Rose Anne Stanard | |
David Boyer | City Council Member |
Steve Whitworth | |
David Boyer | City Council Member |