State of Montana Newsroom
Free Traveling Exhibit Celebrates Montana's Contributions to the American Story
Helena, MT — The Montana250 Commission, in partnership with the Montana Historical Society and Humanities Montana, is offering a free traveling exhibit to libraries, museums, and community centers across the state as part of Montana's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Organizations can reserve the exhibit now at america250mt.org/our-programs.
Montana Tapestry is a five-panel pop-up banner exhibit that introduces eight Montanans who have made significant contributions to the state and nation since 1776. Guided by the Dakota phrase Mitakuye Oyasin — "all my relations" — the exhibit invites viewers to consider how they are connected to Montana and the United States across past, present, and future. The Montanans featured include immunologist Maurice Hilleman, doctor and collector Caroline McGill, historic figures Pretty Shield and Granville Stuart, veteran and Indigenous leader Gilbert Horn Sr., librarian Alma Smith Jacobs, author Ivan Doig, and actor Lily Gladstone.
“Montana history is full of characters, culture-keepers, and innovators who have influenced our nation over its first 250 years,” said Molly Stockdale, Montana 250 Commission vice chair. “Montana Tapestry weaves together their stories and invites audiences to see themselves among the threads that bind us as Americans. We're excited to bring this exhibit across the state, and we hope it can be a springboard for host organizations to share the stories of local individuals who have made great contributions as well.”
Six copies of the exhibit will rotate around the state free of charge from March 16 through December 31, 2026, with organizations able to reserve an eight-week display period. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are filling quickly. To reserve dates, visit america250mt.org/our-programs.
In partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, single companion panels describing Montana's places, people, plants, and animals in 1776 will also be on display at state parks throughout the year, including Montana Wild in Helena, Flathead Lake State Park, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Bannack State Park, Travelers' Rest State Park, Chief Plenty Coups State Park, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Makoshika State Park, and Pictograph Cave State Park.
All 14 panels will be on display together during the 250th celebration on June 27 at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena.
About the Exhibit Panels
- Mitakuye Oyasin — introduces the exhibit's guiding theme of connection across time and place
- Innovation — highlights immunologist Maurice Hilleman and doctor/collector Caroline McGill
- Heritage — introduces historic figures Pretty Shield and Granville Stuart
- Service — recognizes veteran and Indigenous leader Gilbert Horn Sr. and librarian Alma Smith Jacobs
- Inspiration — focuses on the creative contributions of Ivan Doig and Lily Gladstone
For questions or more information, contact MaryAnn George at maryann.george@mt.gov.