Montana Historical Society

Big Sky ~ Big History

Museum and research center closed for renovations. For more info, call (406) 444-2694.

Featured News

Events & Programs

They Are Our B17s!

Norden Bombsight Training Facilities in Montana


Thursday, March 21
6:30 p.m.
Lewis & Clark Library
120 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena

Presentation by Kate Hampton

During the 1930s, the US Army Air Corps and Department of Defense instigated parallel programs to augment the military’s capacity for strategic bombing. Kate Hampton will speak on Montana’s four top-secret training facilities, where hundreds of airmen learned to crew the massive “Flying Fortresses” and to master the precision bombsight.

Part of the Montana Historical Society Lecture Series

Black and white image of a B-17 dropping bombs

Ledger Art

Workshop for Kids


Saturday, March 23
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Lewis & Clark Library
120 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena

In this workshop for kids, participants will learn about the history and meaning behind pictographic art. Then, we will provide materials and instruction for them to depict their own stories on historic ledger paper.

This workshop is limited to 24 kids, ages 5 and up. Parents and guardians are encouraged to accompany their kids. Prior registration is required.

Use this link to register.

Ledger art example

Click this link for additional workshop information.

Digitized Montana Newspapers

Explore almost three million pages from over 150 Montana newspapers! Click the link here or one of the images below.

Butte WWI newspaper partial front page image.


Butte WWI newspaper partial front page image.

Free Admission

at the

Original Governor's Mansion

304 N Ewing St, Helena, MT

See the schedule below for the remainder of the Fall/Winter season.

Fall/Winter Hours

Continuing through May 15
Saturdays only:
Tours at 12, 1, 2, and 3
Closed holidays.

Tour capacity is 20 people. There is no admission fee, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis - no advanced reservations.

Can't make it? Visit this historic home with a virtual tour of the Original Governor's Mansion or view a twenty-minute video tour.

Original Governor's Mansion Helena, Montana

From Our Collection: Montana's Charlie Russell