Montana Historical Society facts for kids
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 The Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building, home of the Montana Historical Society since 1953, as it appeared in 1999 |
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | February 2, 1865 |
| Jurisdiction | Montana State Government |
| Headquarters | Helena, Montana |
| Motto | Big Sky, Big Land, Big History |
| Agency executive |
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The Montana Historical Society (MHS) is a group in Montana that works to keep important historical items safe. Its main goal is to help everyone understand the history of Montana. The society offers services through six main areas of work. These include Administration, Research, Museum, Publications, Historic Preservation, and Education.
A group of 15 people called the Board of Trustees runs the society. The governor chooses these people. They hire the director and decide how the society should work. The MHS was started in 1865. This makes it one of the oldest groups like it in the western part of the United States.
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How the Montana Historical Society Started
The Montana Historical Society began on February 2, 1865. This was just seven months after the Montana Territory was created. A man named Francis M. Thompson suggested creating the society. He was a representative from Beaverhead County.
The law to create the society was called "An Act to Incorporate the Historical Society of Montana." It aimed to "collect and arrange facts" about early Montana history. This included finding out about mines and stories from the fur trade. Many important people helped start the society. Some of them were Hezekiah L. Hosmer, Christopher P. Higgins, and Granville Stuart.
The Montana Historical Society is the second oldest state historical society west of the Mississippi River. On March 25, 1865, the members chose their first leaders. Wilbur Sanders became President, and Granville Stuart was Secretary-Treasurer. Hezekiah L. Hosmer was chosen as Historian. These early leaders had important jobs in the territory.
Where the Society Has Been Located
The society first started in Virginia City. But in 1874, it moved to Helena. This happened after Helena was chosen as the new capital of the territory. In 1902, the society found a new home. It moved into the basement of the new Montana State Capitol building.
What Does the Montana Historical Society Collect?
The Montana Historical Society collects many different types of historical items. These items help us learn about Montana's past.
Important Papers and Stories
The society has a huge collection of old papers called manuscripts. These papers date from the 1860s all the way to today. They also have many oral histories. These are recordings of people telling their own stories, mostly from the 1900s and 2000s.
Since 1969, the society has been the official place to keep government records for Montana. This means they have many important documents from the state and local governments.
Pictures and Books
The society's photograph collection is very large. It holds over half a million pictures from the 1800s and 1900s. These photos show what life was like long ago.
The library has many books, pamphlets, and old newspapers. It also has maps, government reports, and even old posters and music. It has the biggest collection of newspaper clippings and magazine articles in the state.
Art and Objects
The museum program has a large collection of art and artifacts. These objects show all parts of Montana's history. They have many items that teach us about Native American culture in Montana.
Visiting the Montana Historical Society Museum
The Montana Historical Society Museum is also known as Montana's Museum. It is located in Helena, Montana. The museum is open all year. Its displays include fine art, history exhibits, and archaeological items. It also shows objects that teach about different cultures.
What You Can See at the Museum
One special part of the museum is the Mackay Gallery of Russell Art. Here, you can see many works by the famous Western artist Charles M. Russell. He used different materials to create his art.
Other exhibits at the museum teach about Native Americans, early settlers, and home life. You can also learn about mining and frontier weapons. There is even a display of a white bison.
Images for kids
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When the Land Belonged to God by C.M. Russell is one of the highlights of the society's collections
