The Noyes Museum of Art was created largely due to the philanthropic efforts of Fred and Ethel Noyes. Fred Noyes helped create and promote the "Historic Towne of Smithville" tourist and activity site, and was the owner of the Smithville Inn restaurant. Noyes was also an avid art collector, and used his own personal collection to start the museum's collection. The Noyes family created their foundation in 1973 and began design of the museum in 1974, using funds from the sale of Historic Smithville. The museum eventually opened in 1983 at its Oceanville, Galloway site on Lily Lake, only 2 miles (3 km) away from Smithville. The museum was built directly next to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
