Montana Historical Societies

200+ local history organizations across the Treasure State

Montana is home to over 200 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Helena to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Montana's rich past.

Featured Historical Societies

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Location: Deer Lodge, MT

Founded: 1972

Preserves 19th-century ranch headquarters documenting open-range cattle industry. Working ranch demonstrates cowboy life and techniques that shaped Western cattle business

Website: nps.gov/grko

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Location: Crow Agency, MT

Founded: 1946

Commemorates June 25-26, 1876 battle where Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors defeated Custer's 7th Cavalry. Interprets conflicting perspectives on Indian Wars

Website: nps.gov/libi

Montana Historical Society

Location: Helena, MT

Founded: 1865

Operates museum and archives documenting Big Sky Country from Lewis and Clark through homesteading. Extensive collections include Charles M

Website: mhs.mt.gov

Museum of the Rockies

Location: Bozeman, MT

Founded: 1957

Smithsonian affiliate with world-class dinosaur collections including T. rex specimens. Also interprets Montana history, Plains Indians, and Yellowstone region natural history

Website: museumoftherockies.org

World Museum of Mining

Location: Butte, MT

Founded: 1963

Built around Orphan Girl Mine documenting Butte's hard-rock mining heritage. Hell Roarin' Gulch recreates 1890s mining town with authentic buildings relocated to site. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore local history through carefully curated exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs

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