News & Updates

In honor of campaigns to bolster local economies during the holiday season, the Northwest Montana History Museum welcomes book lovers and shoppers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25.

All books are discounted by 10 percent (that means 20 percent off for museum members) and many other items will be on sale. For more than two decades the bookstore and gift shop at the museum has served as a go-to for unique history- and Montana-themed titles and items.

In addition, from 10 a.m. to noon popular local author John Fraley will be on-site to sign books and catch up with his growing fan base. Fraley’s well-researched tales of early Montanans and their adventures–including his own as chronicled in his fifth, most recent book, My Wilderness Life–are always a hit with readers.

Stop by to browse, chat, and make a big impact by “shopping small” at your history museum.

The Northwest Montana History Museum’s Movie Night at the Museum will screen the 1965 film “Shenandoah” starring James Stewart at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. The Civil War film also stars Doug McClure, Glenn Corbett, and Patrick Wayne with Katharine Ross and Rosemary Forsyth making their film debuts. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, the movie soundtrack prominently features the familiar American folk song “Oh Shenandoah.”

In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in 1864, family patriarch Charlie Anderson (Stewart) only wants to be left alone to manage his farm along with his six sons, daughter Jennie (Forsyth), and daughter-in-law Ann (Ross). They are not slave owners, and Charlie is not concerned with the fight between North and South nor the skirmishes and battles being fought throughout the area. He only wants to be left in peace, to attend church on Sunday (to which his large family is always late) and work his farm. While some of his sons want to fight for the Confederacy, they respect their father’s wishes and stay on the farm. But after daughter Jennie marries a Confederate officer (McClure), events bring the war to his front door and his family into the conflict.

Admission and popcorn are free, but donations are gladly accepted to defray costs. Soda pop, water, beer, and wine are available for purchase. Seating is provided, but viewers can bring their own cushions or seating if they like.

The Northwest Montana History Museum brings the past alive through exhibits, artifacts, educational programs, and events. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 406-756-8381.

The Northwest Montana History Museum lays on the holiday spirit with an open house 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30.

Festive touches adorn every room, with highlighted history specific to each exhibit. In addition, carolers are welcome to join in as museum staffer and expert pianist Donna Buckalew takes to the keys for holiday standards in Hollensteiner-Stahl Hall.

Refreshments are on offer, including bags of goodies for the kids, other holiday treast, and hot spiced cider. The big guy in the red suit is scheduled to make an appearance for photos and any gift requests.

The late-1800s sleigh with modern props makes a perfect opportunity for pictures.

Come on out and load up on seasonal smiles and cheer.

Admission is free, and all are welcome!

Details: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
Northwest Montana History Museum, 406-756-8381 option 6; 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901; nwmthistory.org

Kristina Graber Wilfore, a graduate of Flathead High School, appears at the museum to provide insight into her work on behalf of women, elections, and democracy around the world.

The free event is a casual conversation starting at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch or order for pickup from a nearby restaurant and join in to listen as Wilfore describes her trajectory from Kalispell to Washington, D.C. She has worked worldwide in the areas of international development, elections, and civic advocacy.

Join us for this rare opportunity to learn firsthand about life as a “disinfo fighter” serving on the frontlines of democracy movements around the globe.

More about Wilfore:

Kristina Graber Wilfore is a seasoned international development and elections specialist who has worked in more than 30 countries for more inclusive and responsive democratic movements. She has been on the ground in hotspots such as Ukraine, Kenya, Turkey, Brazil, and Kosovo. She has worked hand-in-hand with hundreds of women on their campaigns for higher office and to help overcome barriers to political participation, designing large-scale election integrity and counter-disinformation programs in fragile environments. Wilfore co-founded the cross-national initiative #ShePersisted, and serves as the Global Democracy Advisor at Reset.Tech testing and developing methodology for multilayered counter-disinformation programs in fragile democracies. Wilfore advises governments and international agencies on how to create an enabling environment to address social media harms and national security threats presented by mis/disinformation. She is an adjunct professor with the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where she teaches a graduate course in counter-disinformation research and policy. Wilfore serves on the advisory board of Globant’s Be Kind Tech Fund startup society and is a member of the U.S. Institute of Peace Civil Society Working Group.

Details:

11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, 2023

Northwest Montana History Museum, 124 2nd Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901; 406-756-8381; nwmthistory.org

We know what some might think: The museum is selling its stuff?

Let us explain. Over the years since it opened its doors 25 years ago in the former Central School, the Northwest Montana History Museum has become the premier repository for thousands of regional artifacts. Before the museum adopted the defined process it has now — nothing enters the collection without a signed deed of gift from the donor — items sometimes came into the collection informally or were found on the doorstep (please don’t do that).

With formal processes for cataloging and storage now in place, museum staff and volunteers have discovered duplicates among the holdings (such as 14 typewriters) as well as items with no connection to Northwest Montana. Where possible, we have tracked the items to their original donors and offered them back. If the original donors cannot be found, we offer items to other, similar institutions. For example, we sent some duplicated items to museums in Deer Lodge and Livingston.

As the museum grows in its collection and membership, it does not have enough space to accommodate the number of items in storage and continue the mission. We mount frequent exhibits, such as the popular “Tales of 10 Objects” displays, as a way to show artifacts not on permanent exhibit.

Months ago we began a review of our stored collection, identifying duplicates and items outside the scope of the museum’s collection scope. Much as we love the items that have come our way, we are running out of storage and must make room to continue accepting items that help us present and preserve Northwest Montana history.

As part of the upcoming Locals Day organized with the Conrad Mansion and Hockaday Museum of Art, the Northwest Montana History Museum will hold a “yard sale” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. We follow the International Council of Museums’ protocol for deaccessioning. If items cannot be returned to their original donors or directed to more relevant, similar institutions, the next best option is for them to stay in the community from where they came.

That’s where you come in. Please spread the word that we hold this yard sale as a way to fine-tune our collection and increase our capacity for collecting items that reflect this unique place we call home. We appreciate our donors’ reverence for history and supporting us through donations to the collection as well as our members and visitors, who help us achieve our mission.

Also according to International Council of Museums’ protocol, all proceeds from the yard sale will benefit the collection.

Thank you for your understanding and support of this rare event. Feel free to call with any questions, and see you Sept. 23! Please, buy a typewriter.

Thank you to the Daily Inter Lake for publishing our first public statement on this event.