It’s only a coincidence that this community exhibit was completed at the same time as the museum was closed by the COVID-19 pandemic, said executive director Caroline Speir. But now she is glad the museum is able to share with the public, while temporarily closed.

The Rialto’s owners had invited the museum to display Boston Store artifacts shortly after it opened on the 700 block of Garrison Avenue, the site of the fondly remembered department store. 

The museum has an extensive selection of Boston Store artifacts and any exhibit or program that is associated with the store is popular, Speir said. The museum has held Boston Store fashion shows with live models wearing examples of fine apparel that had been preserved and treasured by the women who purchased the clothing, purses, shoes and accessories. 

Many older residents were loyal customers or employees of the well-appointed retail store, which dominated downtown shopping and was the anchor store of Central Mall in the 1970s when the mall was new. Boston Store was owned and operated by the Jerome Ney family. 

“Community involvement and exhibitions are part of the museum’s outreach and one of the goals of our mission,” said Speir. “I hope many will get to see the exhibit at The Rialto during this partnership – and talk about all things Boston Store,” she said. She may change the exhibit to fashions to suit the season, just as the Boston Store did.

The Rialto is located at 720 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith.