Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society facts for kids

The Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society is a special group that helps protect old buildings and places in Montana. It was started in 1969 by John N. Dehaas Jr., who was a professor at Montana State University. This group is a non-profit organization, which means it uses all its money to help its cause, not to make a profit. Their main goal is to teach everyone why it's important to save historic buildings, old sites, and cool artifacts that tell the story of Montana's past.

Exploring Montana's Ghost Towns

Montana is famous for its many ghost towns. These are places where people used to live and work, often during the gold rush or when mining was big. But then, for different reasons, everyone left. The towns became empty, like ghosts!

Why Towns Become "Ghosts"

Towns often become ghost towns when the main reason people lived there disappears. For example, if a gold mine ran out of gold, miners would leave to find work elsewhere. Sometimes, a railroad might change its route, or a big drought could make farming impossible. When people move away, the buildings are left behind.

What Can We Learn from Ghost Towns?

Ghost towns are like outdoor museums. They show us how people lived a long time ago. You can see old homes, stores, schools, and even saloons. These places help us understand history, how communities grew, and why they sometimes faded away. They are important clues to Montana's past.

The Importance of Preservation

Preserving historic places means taking care of them so they don't fall apart. It's like being a detective for history! The Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society works hard to keep these old places safe.

Why Preserve Old Buildings?

Saving old buildings and sites is important for many reasons. First, they teach us about the past. They show us how people built things, what tools they used, and how they lived their daily lives. Second, these places are part of Montana's unique culture and heritage. They make the state special. Third, preserving them can help local communities by attracting visitors who want to learn about history.

How the Society Helps

The Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society helps in several ways. They teach people about the value of these historic sites. They also work to protect buildings from damage caused by weather or people. Sometimes, they help fix up old buildings so they can last longer. They want future generations to be able to visit and learn from these amazing places.

Who Founded the Society?

The society was founded in 1969 by John N. Dehaas Jr. He was a professor who loved history and old buildings. He understood that these ghost towns were special and needed to be protected. He wanted to make sure that Montana's history would not be lost.

John N. Dehaas Jr.'s Vision

John N. Dehaas Jr. saw that many historic buildings in Montana were slowly disappearing. He knew that if no one stepped in, these important parts of history would be gone forever. His idea was to create an organization that would focus on saving these unique places and teaching others about their value. His vision helped create a group dedicated to keeping Montana's past alive.