Bonniebrook Historical Society

About the Museum

The Society was founded in 1975, with the purpose to collect, preserve, and share anything that might directly to the life of Rose O’Neill – artist and creator of the Kewpies.  With a goal of displaying and documenting anything that might relate to her life’s work (documents, artifacts, personal items, etc.) the Bonniebrook Historical Society continues to carry on the name and tradition of this accomplished and talented individual.

Described my Rose as her “favorite place in the world,” Bonniebrook is where Ms. O’Neill spent much of her life painting, drawing, and creating the art that millions across the world have come to love.  Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, the area is truly special as it is where Rose and much of her family are buried as well.

Through education, the Bonniebrook Historical Society lives on with the goal to ensure that the world never forgets the contributions she has made.

Rebuilding and furnishing Rose’s house, the Society has established a museum and research library dedicated to her works and additionally they have recovered two of her monumental sculptures – on display in the lawn, just as Rose did.

The next time you are visiting the Ozark Mountains, you are invited to stop by the Bonniebrook Historical Museum and witness the lifelong home and studio of one of early America’s greatest artists.