State of Montana Newsroom
Montana Historical Society to Celebrate Charlie Russell's Birthday with Month of Special Programs
Helena, MT —The Montana Historical Society (MTHS) will celebrate the birthday of beloved Western artist Charles M. Russell throughout the month of March with a series of special programs, gallery tours, and family activities at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena.
March is Russell's birthday month, and MTHS has planned several events designed to bring his life and legacy to new audiences. The centerpiece of the celebration is the new Charles M. Russell Gallery at the Montana Heritage Center, which offers visitors an immersive look at the life and work of one of the West's most iconic painters.
"Charlie Russell's art is a window into a world that helped shape this state,” said Martha Kohl, outreach and education program manager with the Montana Historical Society. “This month, we want to invite everyone to experience that legacy in new and memorable ways.”
A Month of Celebrations
The events kick off on Thursday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. with storyteller and musician Philip Page presenting "Montana's Cowboy Songs." Page will explore the traditions of cowboy life on the Montana plains and highlight the important role that music played in shaping the culture of the American West.
On three Saturdays in March — March 7, 14, and 28 — scholar and historic reenactor Mary Jane Bradbury will bring to life Nancy Cooper Russell, Charlie's wife and business manager, in a special guided tour of the Russell gallery titled "Telling Her Own Tales: Nancy Russell's Unique Insights into Montana's Cowboy Artist." Tours begin at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Russell gallery and registration is required.
On Saturday, March 14, the celebrations expand with a free art workshop for children ages 7 and up from 10:00 a.m. to noon. "Dr. Seuss's Horse Museum: Illustrating Horses," led by an instructor from the Holter Museum of Art, will guide young participants through drawing horses after exploring how the animals appear throughout the museum's exhibits. The workshop is limited to 20 children and advance registration is required. Adults are asked to accompany their children.
At noon on March 14, birthday cake will be served in the Heritage Center’s historic lobby. All are welcome.
In addition to the special programming, regularly scheduled tours of the Russell gallery are offered every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. throughout the month. No registration is required for these tours.
Full Schedule of Events
- Thursday, March 5 | 6:30 p.m. — Philip Page, "Montana's Cowboy Songs"
- Saturday, March 7 | 10:30 a.m. — "Telling Her Own Tales" Nancy Russell gallery tour with Mary Jane Bradbury (registration required)
- Saturday, March 7 | 1:00 p.m. — Regular C. M. Russell Gallery Tour
- Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 a.m. — Kids' Art Workshop: "Dr. Seuss's Horse Museum: Illustrating Horses," ages 7 and up (registration required; limited to 20)
- Saturday, March 14 | 10:30 a.m. — "Telling Her Own Tales" Nancy Russell gallery tour with Mary Jane Bradbury (registration required)
- Saturday, March 14 | 12:00 p.m. — Birthday Celebration: Cake in the historic lobby
- Saturday, March 14 | 1:00 p.m. — Regular C. M. Russell Gallery Tour
- Saturday, March 28 | 10:30 a.m. — "Telling Her Own Tales" Nancy Russell gallery tour with Mary Jane Bradbury (registration required)
- March 19–21 — C. M. Russell Museum Western Art Experience, Great Falls, including free lecture March 21 at 9 a.m.: "FBI Art Crime Team: Art & Cultural Heritage Crimes"
To explore more about Russell’s art, life, and legacy, MTHS encourages patrons to visit the C. M. Russell Museum in Great Falls for its Western Art Experience from March 19–21, which includes a free public lecture on Saturday, March 21 from 9–10 a.m.: "FBI Art Crime Team: Art & Cultural Heritage Crimes."
For a full calendar of events with details and registration information, visit mths.mt.gov/education/Community-Events. For questions, contact Martha Kohl at mkohl@mt.gov.