Montana Historical Society

The Montana Historical Society is the guardian of Montana's memory. Established in 1865, the oldest institution of its kind in the West, the Society's vast historic collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents are exhibited in six extraordinary galleries. In 1969, we became the official state Archives and the repository for state agency records of permanent value. Since the founding of the Montana Historical Society in Virginia City in 1865, our historians, curators and educators have worked as a team to save and share the stories of Montana. The mission of the Montana Historical Society is to promote an understanding and appreciation of Montana's cultural heritage; past, present, and future. The Montana Historical Society and Montana's Museum is home to an incomparable Charlie Russell collection and Montana artifacts. Explore history through our Research Center, Publications, Education and Historic Preservation programs. Enjoy shopping for gifts/books in the Museum Store (members receive a discount). The Montana Historical Society also publishes ''Montana The Magazine of Western History'' as well as books (Montana Historical Society Press).