Montana Historical Society Store Temporarily Moves to Downtown Helena

• March 11 2024

The popular Montana Historical Society store is temporarily moving to the Helena Walking Mall, with the opening set for March 11.

The store’s home in the Montana Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building at 225 No. Roberts – across from the Montana Capitol building – is part of the $100 million Montana Heritage Center project. The work includes a 66,000-square-foot addition, plus significant renovations to the historic 70-year-old VPMB structure.

“We appreciate the patience of our customers while undertaking this historical project,” noted MTHS Director Molly Kruckenberg. “The store’s new location is in the Securities Building on the downtown mall, which allows us to serve our patrons until we move the store into its new, larger location in the Montana Heritage Center.”

The cost of leasing the downtown space is covered entirely by proceeds from the store’s sales; no tax dollars are involved in the move.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The store offers a wide range of products, including Native American and history books, clothing, hats, huckleberry treats, cards, posters – and even a room specifically carrying children’s items.

The Securities Building originated as the First National Bank in downtown Helena, which was the second home of Montana Territory’s first bank, chartered in 1866. Combining Romanesque, French Second Empire, and popular Victorian-period stylistic elements, the three-story masterpiece includes native granite and brown Wisconsin sandstone.

The bank occupied the building from its completion in 1886 to 1931. The Securities Building, as it is known today, stands as witness to Helena’s great prosperity in the 1880s.

The Museum Store is expected to lease the downtown store space at 101 No. Last Chance Gulch until early 2025.

“We look forward to serving our loyal customers with our wide range of Made in Montana products, as well as other books, gifts, cards, and posters as we go through this transition,” said Dianna Berry, the store manager.

To shop online, go to https://app.mt.gov/shop/mhsstore/