Here in the heart of Montana amidst the Belt, Highwood, Judith, Moccasin and Snowy Mountains, lies our home, a valley known as the Judith Basin. This area, which we proudly refer to as "Central Montana," stretches westward to Arrow Creek, north to the Missouri River, and south/east toward the Musselshell River. Some of the west's most notorious characters - Calamity Jane, Kid Curry and Charles M. Russell to name a few - either resided in or frequented the area. As luck would have it, there's a place where much of the history of Central Montana has been preserved.
Welcome to the Central Montana Museum where the past lives on in the form of physical artifacts, displays and accompanying interpretation; a diverse collection of the local history books written by area residents; or in electronic format. The Central Montana Museum is located at 408 Northeast Main Street in Lewistown, the geographical center of the state. Lewistown evolved from a small trading post to a ranching and business center during the homestead era.
Our newest display is really the oldest! It is a full-scale replica of the skull of a Torosaurus dinosaur that was found in the Valentine area (approximately 65 miles east-northeast of Lewistown). More recent history of Central Montana is chronologically portrayed at the museum beginning in the 1870's when the area was largely unsettled and buffalo roamed the open prairies.
We continually strive to improve the museum for the enjoyment of all who visit. In 2008, a 3/4-scale old-fashioned city street display was added and in 2009, we began reorganizing the museum chronologically with the inclusion of interpretive information. To date, the following displays have been re-created: Native Americans, Fort Sherman, Carroll Trail, Reed and Bowles Trading Post, Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce, Fort Maginnis, Reedsfort, Janeaux's Stockade, Metis, stockmen (cattle and sheep), mining (gold, sapphires, coal) and production of oil and gypsum, full-size schoolhouse replica, Croatian stonemasons, Central Montana communities and military. In 2010, even more exhibits were added including: freighters; stage coaches; Fergus, Judith Basin and Petroleum Counties; a wagon owned by James Fergus, founder of Fergus County; homesteaders; railroads; the Depression, dust storms and the Dirty Thirties; and the newest, a full-scale replica of a Torosaurus dinosaur skull.
At the appropriate time intervals, we've included displays of some of the area's most notorious characters including:
*Rattlesnake Jake Owens (outlaw)
*Charles M. Russell (cowboy/famous artist)
*Granville Stuart (cattleman/Vigilante leader)
*Bertie Brown (moonshine entrepreneur/rancher)
*Ed McGivern (fastest gun in the world)
*Charlie Cooley (businessman/civic leader)
*Jimmy Kaaro (circus performer/trick roper/animal trainer/lawman)
*Jane Burnett Smith (bronc rider/stunt rider/author)
Another addition is the rotating family exhibit where one or more prominent pioneer families are featured each season.
The museum houses a variety of collections including: dolls, wedding dresses, fire arms, forts, fossils, historic replicas and dioramas, Indian artifacts, medical equipment and photos from St. Joseph's Hospital, military, miniature town and tractors, office and printing machines, photos, musical instruments and many others. In addition, full scale replicas of a parlor, kitchen, creamery, telephone operator's office; and a newspaper printing shop from years past are also on display.
Also on display are a wagon used by James Fergus, founder of Fergus County; a replica of a red river cart used by the Metis; and a Norden Bombsite.
The following educational electronic media are available for viewing, as well:
*A DVD demonstrating the quarrying and cutting of local stone used to construct many beautiful buildings in Lewistown by the talented and creative stonemasons who immigrated here from Bribir, Croatia. It was from their hard toiling and handiwork that Lewistown was molded and holds the proud distinction of being called the "City of Stone."
*A very interesting video of the coal mining industry in Montana entitled "Against the Darkness."
*Our latest DVD, professionally taped during 2010, features interviews with ancestors of some of the area's most prominent people (James Fergus and Jimmy Kaaro) as well as accounts of the Rattlesnake Jake shooting, a history of the local schools, and other information.
The Reference Area offers a place to sit down and relax while browsing through our extensive electronic collection of historic photographs and local history books of Central Montana's communities.
Our store, located near the museum entrance, carries a variety of books, memorabilia, musical CDs, videos and locally made products.
Our displays are ever-changing as we strive to make each visit unique and memorable. Please stop in to see what we have to offer and encourage your friends and acquaintances to visit our facility as well. The museum is open each year from Memorial weekend through mid-September. The hours are 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Special tours can also be arranged during the off season by leaving a message on our voice mail at 406-535-3642. We'll gladly return your call and schedule a time that is convenient for you to tour our facility.
The museum is operated as a nonprofit institution and there is no charge for admission; however, your donations are greatly appreciated to ensure its continued operation for the benefit of all who visit.
If you're in the mood for further sightseeing, you may wish to visit some of the nearby historic points and/or ghost towns in the area. Two of our historic trading posts, Reed and Bowles Trading Post (one of the original structures of the historic Nez Perce Trail) and Reedsfort, are located here at Lewistown while Fort Maginnis and many of the area's ghost towns are only a short drive away. A list of these attractions and directions to the sites may be obtained upon request.
Brochures are also available of Lewistown's historic Silk Stocking District located in the 200 block of West Boulevard and the 300 block of Third Avenue North if you'd like to take a self-guided tour. Our Chamber of Commerce is located in the west portion of the museum building if you are interested in other local events happening or would like further information. The Chamber operates the popular Charlie Russell Chew Choo, a dinner train that runs through scenic Central Montana. Reservations for the train may be obtained by contacting the Chamber at 406-535-5436.
Please stop in and visit us; you won't be disappointed!!!
