Our Benefactors
Bernice & Harvey Jones
Founded in 1968 by Harvey and Bernice Jones, Har-Ber Village Museum was created as a gift to the public—a place where future generations could step back in time and experience the pioneering spirit of early American life.
The Joneses, well-known philanthropists and founders of Jones Truck Lines in Springdale, Arkansas, began with a simple vision: to preserve and share the tools, buildings, and stories of America’s frontier heritage in a beautiful lakeside setting.
The name “Har-Ber” itself is a tribute to the founders—“Har” for Harvey and “Ber” for Bernice. What started with the construction of a small chapel and a few historic buildings grew into a sprawling outdoor museum, now home to more than 100 restored structures and thousands of artifacts that paint a vivid picture of 19th- and early 20th-century life.
Initially operated as a privately funded, free-admission attraction in 1980, the museum transitioned into a nonprofit organization in the early 2000s. Before Bernice passed away, she approved the Museum to start taking admissions with the goal to become free again if the museum became self-sustainable. This shift ensured long-term sustainability and allowed for broader community involvement, expanded programming, and eligibility for grants and donations. Today, Har-Ber Village is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors who share the Joneses’ commitment to education, preservation, and community engagement.
Throughout its history, Har-Ber Village has remained a beloved destination for families, school groups, and history enthusiasts, offering hands-on experiences, special events, and seasonal exhibits that bring history to life along the shores of Grand Lake.
