State of Montana Newsroom
MTHS Raises $57.3 Million for Montana Heritage Center
HELENA, Mont. – Together with Montana Historical Society (MTHS) Director Molly Kruckenberg, Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the state raised a historic $57.3 million in private donations for the Montana Heritage Center, set to open in 2025.
The governor then announced an endowment campaign to provide every Montana student the opportunity to visit the Montana Heritage Center and State Capitol upon the completion of its renovation and expansion.
“The first lady and I are overwhelmed by the generosity of Montanans and friends of our state who share our vision for a world-class Montana Heritage Center,” Gov. Gianforte said. “To preserve our treasured past with an eye to the future, we are proud to kick off the Montana History & Civics Education Endowment, which will allow every Montana child to come to Helena and experience our state’s great history at the Montana Heritage Center.”
The Montana History and Civics Education Endowment will provide grants to public, independent, and home school students for food, gas, lodging, and entrance fees to the Montana Heritage Center. The endowment will also support MTHS staff who will coordinate students’ field trips.
Kruckenberg noted that studies show field trips help students retain information and make connections between what they are learning in the classroom to the larger world.
“Tours of the Montana Heritage Center and the Montana State Capitol will improve students’ understanding of civics, connect them to the history and heritage of their home, and encourage them to become the stewards of tomorrow,” Kruckenberg said. “Two new classrooms will provide dedicated space for students to meet and receive instruction before and after their tours.”
Students also will have the chance to explore other heritage sites, cultural centers, and history museums on their way to and from the facilities in Helena.
Nearly $2 million has already been privately raised for the endowment, including $1 million donated by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation also donated $25 million for the construction of the Montana Heritage Center, representing the largest gift in the Montana Historical Society’s history.
“It’s remarkable that a facility like this can be so close to the Capitol, where there will be thousands upon thousands of people to come visit and learn about Montana history for many years to come,” Dennis Washington said.