Impact of the Montana Heritage Center

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The Montana Historical Society was founded in 1865 with the aim of collecting and preserving the documents, artifacts, artwork and other articles that are an integral part of the cultural and political history of Montana. Incorporated as a state agency in 1891 by the Legislature, the Society continues to perform a wide variety of functions and services within that general mandate. These include...

  1. housing and securing its considerable collections and archives at its facility in Helena
  2. presenting interpretive exhibits for the public at Montana’s Museum
  3. publishing its well respected quarterly magazine Montana: The Magazine of Western History as well as other electronic and print publications
  4. supporting research on the history of Montana and the West by maintaining a research library
  5. serving as the central agency concerned with registering, supporting and preserving Montana’s historic sites and buildings
  6. working with educators statewide to further public appreciation of Montana’s heritage through educational support programs.

Montana Historical Society (MHS) also serves as a destination for out-of-area visitors with an interest in heritage and history. Cultural tourism has received increasing recognition as an important source of growth for Montana’s tourism industry. Significant numbers of travelers report that opportunities to visit art, culture, and heritage sites and events influence their choice of destinations and affect the length of their trips.




The Montana Historical Society was founded in 1865 with the aim of collecting and preserving the documents, artifacts, artwork and other articles that are an integral part of the cultural and political history of Montana. Incorporated as a state agency in 1891 by the Legislature, the Society continues to perform a wide variety of functions and services within that general mandate. These include...

  1. housing and securing its considerable collections and archives at its facility in Helena
  2. presenting interpretive exhibits for the public at Montana’s Museum
  3. publishing its well respected quarterly magazine Montana: The Magazine of Western History as well as other electronic and print publications
  4. supporting research on the history of Montana and the West by maintaining a research library
  5. serving as the central agency concerned with registering, supporting and preserving Montana’s historic sites and buildings
  6. working with educators statewide to further public appreciation of Montana’s heritage through educational support programs.

Montana Historical Society (MHS) also serves as a destination for out-of-area visitors with an interest in heritage and history. Cultural tourism has received increasing recognition as an important source of growth for Montana’s tourism industry. Significant numbers of travelers report that opportunities to visit art, culture, and heritage sites and events influence their choice of destinations and affect the length of their trips.