(Helena)- Construction is underway at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena, which means the Montana Historical Society is going to temporarily close. The Library & Archives reference room will close Dec. 15 for about two years, and the remaining galleries will close after Dec. 30, 2022.
MTHS Director Molly Kruckenberg notes that she would rather remain open during construction, but the staff must inventory, pack, and store the priceless art, artifacts, and documents to protect them. The popular public programs will be held at the Lewis and Clark Library in Helena and will change to a 6:30 p.m. start on Thursdays to better accommodate the public. The program schedule is at mths.mt.gov. The Original Governor’s Mansion will maintain its winter operating scheduled, with free tours offered Saturdays on the hour from noon until 3 p.m.
The $84 million project is paid for with $41 million from the state’s lodging facility use tax; a $7 million bond from 2005; and private donations and grants. So far, the MTHS has raised $38 million.
