Changes Ahead at the Montana Historical Society

• November 29 2022

Construction of the Montana Heritage Center in Helena is slightly ahead of schedule, which means the Montana Historical Society is going to ramp up the anticipated temporary closures and find new ways to fulfill the publics’ needs while having limited access to our artifacts and documents.

Many of our items are available for viewing online. They include more than 40,000 artifacts, nine exhibits, one million-plus pages of newspapers, 100,000 books, letters, lesson plans, photographs, and much more. Just call 406/444-2694 and our staff will help you find what you’re seeking.

MTHS Director Molly Kruckenberg notes that while she would rather remain open during construction, the staff must inventory, pack, and store the priceless art, artifacts, and documents to protect them. The galleries will be used for storage.

The Library & Archives reference room will close Dec. 15 for about two years as we pack items, move out of our offices, and reopen on the main floor of our renovated building.

Our final galleries close after Dec. 30, 2022, as construction workers move into the 70-year-old Veterans and Pioneers Building to do the renovations. They’ll start in the basement with the historic plumbing and electrical upgrades. Next, they’ll tackle the second and third floors, and wrap up on the first floor.

“Our staff will remain in our offices as long as possible, but clearly the construction renovations will be impactful,” MTHS Director Molly Kruckenberg said. “We’re trying to minimize the disruption, but some staff will temporarily work from home and we’re also seeking alternative office space for others.

“We apologize for any hardships that creates, but know that when we reopen early 2025, our expanded and renovated facility will be worth the temporary disruption in services.”

The MTHS also is seeking a temporary space in which to relocate the museum store. Until then, it will remain open in its current location at 225 No. Roberts in Helena. People can shop online anytime at app.mt.gov/shop/mhsstore/

The popular public programs will be held at the Lewis and Clark Library in Helena and will change to a 6:30 p.m. start on Thursdays to better accommodate the public. The program schedule is at mths.mt.gov

The Original Governor’s Mansion will maintain its winter operating scheduled, with free tours offered Saturdays on the hour from noon until 3 p.m. at 304 No. Ewing St. in Helena.

The $84 million project is paid for with $41 million from the state’s lodging facility use tax; a $7 million bond from 2005; and private donations and grants. So far, the MTHS has raised $38 million.