Museums

An Afternoon at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art

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The other day I took a few minutes to stop in to Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art and see their current exhibitions. I’ve missed most of the opening receptions lately because of conflicts and I was eager to get a glimpse of what they have displayed. And, I was not disappointed! The Blackfeet Portrait Project was very impressive and I even recognized a few of the people featured in the exhibit. One of my favorite pieces was … Read more

It is Appropriately Called Awesome Autos Etc. Museum

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Last week I was in Chester, Montana for a meeting. After the meeting and lunch we stopped in at a place called Awesome Autos Etc. Museum. Located right on US Hwy 2 across from Chester’s Lions Park, Awesome Autos was easy to find. The neat and tidy looking metal building holds an absolute treasure of vintage and not-so-vintage automobiles along with some former business signs that will bring back memories. I wasn’t sure what to expect … Read more

The Wall That Heals

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Last night I didn’t go to the opening ceremony of The Wall That Heals for a reason – I figured there would be a crowd and I wanted some alone-time at the wall. About 9am this morning I drove to Elks Riverside Park in Great Falls and was rather surprised to see quite a few cars already there. Although, I wouldn’t say it was crowded. Great Falls, Montana is a military town with many retirees … Read more

Intrigued by Fort Assinniboine near Havre

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Fort Assinniboine is located about six miles from Havre on US Hwy 87. Ask a few Montanans if they know about it and you would probably get a mix of comments. The fort sits just a bit off the highway and if you aren’t watching for it you could easily pass it by – until now. Supporters of Fort Assinniboine have recently put up a new, brightly colored sign directing folks where to turn. I’ve been fortunate to tour Fort … Read more

Woodblock Print Exhibit at Bair Museum

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About one mile from the little town of Martinsdale is the prettiest ranch home setting. Years ago it was the home of Charles M. Bair and his family. After Charles’ passing, his daughters Alberta and Marguerite lived on the ranch. Neither of the daughters had children, and the home, surrounding buildings and property were left as a museum for the people of Montana. The 26 room home is certainly a treat to tour but the two-year old … Read more

Bair Museum near Martinsdale. Truly Amazing!

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It didn’t start out to be a classic Central Montana road trip but it sure ended up that way! Two of us were on our way to a meeting in Red Lodge, MT and decided to take a route that we hadn’t done in awhile. About 25 miles east of Great Falls we turned south on to US Hwy 89 and started a stunningly beautiful drive on the Kings Hill Scenic Byway (more about the … Read more

Education and Fun at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

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What a neat experience to see kids learning and having fun at the same time. I took my almost 5 year old granddaughter to First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park near Ulm, MT. It’s just about 15 miles out of town, at most a 20 minute drive from my house. As you enter the lobby at First Peoples there is a seating area which was filled with a group of people hearing the story of … Read more

Conrad Museum Features Hutterite Display

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Yesterday I was in Conrad, Montana and learned that the Pondera Historical Museum there had put together a new exhibit about Hutterites. Hutterite colonies are frequently seen as you are driving Montana’s roadways and when you see Hutterite people you recognize them by their dress. Women and girls wear ankle-length dresses with aprons and their hair is covered with a scarf. Their clothing is handmade at the colony. Men and boys wear black trousers (usually you’ll see black suspenders … Read more

A Tip of the Hat to Charlie Russell

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In celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy, the Charles M. Russell Museum in Great Falls held an event last weekend called Saddles and Spurs. The museum complex covers one full city block in the northside residential area of Great Falls and includes the galleries, Charlie’s log studio (including tipi poles) and the house Charlie and Nancy lived in. A sculpture garden is dispersed throughout the east side of the complex. Even with all … Read more

Art Museum Celebrates Birthday

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Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls held a fun and unique celebration last Friday – a birthday party for Dr. Seuss! All ages were welcome. Upright rectangular boxes were covered with white paper, then characters from Dr. Seuss books were drawn on them (someone’s a good artist!). Kids of all ages could don an apron, grab some paint and start coloring the designs. At first when we arrived it was pretty quiet. … Read more