extraordinary stories the home they deserve.” The center combines a new 70,000-square-foot addition with the completely renovated 95,000-square-foot Veterans and Pioneers Historic Building. Highlights include: • The Homeland Gallery: A circular journey through Montana’s history from the Ice Age to today, featuring 10 thematic zones and immersive experiences like a replica mine shaft elevator that recreates descending into a 1920s Butte mine. • Expanded Charles M. Russell Gallery: Nearly three times larger than before, showcasing the legendary Western artist’s masterworks. • Changing Gallery: A flexible space, currently featuring the Poindexter Collection of Modern Art. • Norm’s Café: Operated by Helena’s The Dive Bakery, serving fresh baked goods and sandwiches. • The Gift Shop: Offering Montana and Indigenous-made goods, souvenirs and Western history books. The project was funded through a unique partnership: $60 million in private donations, $41.5 million in state funding and $5.5 million in bonds. No property taxes were used for the project. MIB was one of the proud sponsors of this project. “Our goal is to provide curated, educational experiences for those who wish to learn the deeper story,” said Darby Bramble, education officer with the Montana Historical Society. “We want to offer students and lifelong learners the opportunity to enrich their trip to Helena.” To plan your visit and learn more about the Montana Heritage Center, visit mths.mt.gov or contact mths@mt.gov. Community Banker 13
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==