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HELENA, Mont. – Together with Montana Historical Society (MTHS) Director Molly Kruckenberg, Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the state raised a historic $57.3 million in private donations for the Montana Heritage Center, set to open in 2025.

The governor then announced an endowment campaign to provide every Montana student the opportunity to visit the Montana Heritage Center and State Capitol upon the completion of its renovation and expansion.

“The first lady and I are overwhelmed by the generosity of Montanans and friends of our state who share our vision for a world-class Montana Heritage Center,” Gov. Gianforte said. “To preserve our treasured past with an eye to the future, we are proud to kick off the Montana History & Civics Education Endowment, which will allow every Montana child to come to Helena and experience our state’s great history at the Montana Heritage Center.”

The Montana History and Civics Education Endowment will provide grants to public, independent, and home school students for food, gas, lodging, and entrance fees to the Montana Heritage Center. The endowment will also support MTHS staff who will coordinate students’ field trips.

Kruckenberg noted that studies show field trips help students retain information and make connections between what they are learning in the classroom to the larger world.

“Tours of the Montana Heritage Center and the Montana State Capitol will improve students’ understanding of civics, connect them to the history and heritage of their home, and encourage them to become the stewards of tomorrow,” Kruckenberg said. “Two new classrooms will provide dedicated space for students to meet and receive instruction before and after their tours.”

Students also will have the chance to explore other heritage sites, cultural centers, and history museums on their way to and from the facilities in Helena.

Nearly $2 million has already been privately raised for the endowment, including $1 million donated by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation also donated $25 million for the construction of the Montana Heritage Center, representing the largest gift in the Montana Historical Society’s history.

“It’s remarkable that a facility like this can be so close to the Capitol, where there will be thousands upon thousands of people to come visit and learn about Montana history for many years to come,” Dennis Washington said.

HELENA — Light had barely begun to stretch out upon the Helena Valley Monday morning when crews began the work of moving a couple heavyweights at the Montana Historical Society (MHS).

“Symbol of the Pros” and “Herd Bull” are some of the most iconic pieces in the State’s care, both weighing over two tons.

In order to get ready for the construction of the Montana Heritage Center, the steel and bronze titans needed to move.

HELENA – Construction is underway as crews begin work on the Montana Heritage Center project.

Starting Tuesday, September, 29th the block of 6th Avenue between North Roberts Street and North Sanders Street will permanently close so construction can begin. The project will include connecting the existing Veterans and Pioneer Memorial Building to the new Heritage Center. This will increase parking in the area and create a better experience for visitors.

HELENA (AP) — The Montana Historical Society have relocated two sculptures ahead of construction on the first phase of the Montana Heritage Center project in Helena near the Montana State Capitol building.

The Herd Bull, a metal bison skull, and the "Symbol of the Pros," a large sculpture of a professional rodeo rider, were moved Monday...

HELENA (AP) — The Montana Historical Society have relocated two sculptures ahead of construction on the first phase of the Montana Heritage Center project in Helena near the Montana State Capitol building.

The Herd Bull, a metal bison skull, and the "Symbol of the Pros," a large sculpture of a professional rodeo rider, were moved Monday.

Improved parking and ADA access to Fish, Wildlife and Parks slated first

MONTANA – Construction is set to begin on the Montana Heritage Center project. The block of 6^th Avenue between North Roberts Street and North Sanders Street will permanently close on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 so that construction work can begin.

This street closure will allow Sletten Construction to begin work on improved parking and ADA access to the Fish, Wildlife and Parks building. The completed Heritage Center project will add an additional 92 parking spots on the Capitol campus, as well as create four dedicated RV/trailer spots, which did not previously exist.

TAPPING INTO THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE TO DESIGN A CULTURAL ICON FOR MONTANA

Designing a building to represent and reflect the cultural heritage of all who live in a place can be a daunting task. In Montana, if you ask residents what they value most, regardless of background, a common answer you’ll hear is “the land.” This is where our team drew inspiration for the new Montana Heritage Center in Helena.

HELENA — The Montana Historical Society in Helena hosted state and local leaders Wednesday, to celebrate the start of a long-awaited expansion.

HELENA – History was made Wednesday as officials broke ground for a new $52.7 million Montana Heritage Center that will feature all things Montana and some things from before the state was founded.