“Everyone has a place in the Circle of Time,” History Museum Executive Director Kristi Scott noted at the end of her presentation last week, “whether a family, student, history buff, retiree, public agency, private organization, corporation, or foundation. The Cascade County Historical Society/The History Museum provides a place where the experiences of our forbearers continue to enliven and enrich our lives today and always.”
Rotarians got a glimpse of those experiences and the opportunities available at the History Museum at last week’s Rotary meeting. The museum houses over 60,000 historical artifacts and 70,000 photographs, as well as 4500 square feet of closed stack resources. These are available by appointment to all, free of admission. Kristi gave us a sampling of fascinating photographs, including the first bricks laid for “the stack,” Belt Boy Scouts selling liberty bonds in 1917, and the Tod Block fire of 1928.
The museum has a unique gift shop and also features rotating exhibitions of special interest. Kristi is gearing up for an exhibition called “Spirits of Cascade County,” bringing back the days of prohibition and bootlegging, along with breweries and distilleries of old. It’s a wonderful venue for entertainment as well. Save the date of September 17 for Jazz Night, featuring the Afro-Cuban stylings of John Roberts y Pan Blanco!
Local historians can be heard on the second Saturday of each month. Today at 1 p.m., for instance, Dr. Suzanne Waring will discuss some of Great Falls’ first families in her book, Montana Pioneers.
The History Museum is clearly a community gem and like all gems it requires the care and donations of local people to keep it polished and shining. Consider becoming a member and truly celebrating the history of Great Falls!
