Buttoning Up the Addition
Construction of the Montana Heritage Center in Helena is slightly ahead of schedule, which means the Montana Historical Society has ramped up the anticipated temporary closures. We’re finding new ways to fulfill the publics’ needs while having limited access to our artifacts and documents.
Many of our items are available for viewing online. They include more than 40,000 artifacts, nine exhibits, one million-plus pages of newspapers, 100,000 books, letters, lesson plans, photographs, and much more. Just call 406/444-2694 and our staff will help you find what you’re seeking.
MTHS Director Molly Kruckenberg notes that while she would rather remain open during construction, the staff must inventory, pack, and store the priceless art, artifacts, and documents to protect them. The galleries will be used for storage and office space.
The Library & Archives reference room closed Dec. 15 for about two years while we pack items, move out of our offices, and reopen on the main floor of our renovated building.
Our final galleries closed in January 2023, as construction workers moved into the 70-year-old Veterans and Pioneers Building to do the renovations. They started in the basement with utility upgrades, then they’ll tackle the second and third floors, before wrapping up on the first floor.
“Our staff will remain in our offices as long as possible, but clearly the construction renovations will be impactful,” MTHS Director Molly Kruckenberg said. “We’re trying to minimize the disruption, but some staff will temporarily work from home and we’re also seeking alternative office space for others.
“We apologize for any hardships that creates, but know that when we reopen early 2025, our expanded and renovated facility will be worth the temporary disruption in services.”
The MTHS also is seeking a temporary space in which to relocate the museum store. Until then, it will remain open in its current location at 225 No. Roberts in Helena. People can shop online anytime at app.mt.gov/shop/mhsstore/
The popular public programs will be held at the Lewis and Clark Library at 120 So. Last Chance Gulch in Helena and will change to a 6:30 p.m. start on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month to better accommodate the public. The program schedule is at mths.mt.gov
