Provided by Central Montana Museum
The area’s story is presented chronologically, beginning in the 1870s, when the region was largely unsettled and buffalo roamed the open prairies. The museum features photographs, displays, and exhibits that show the many changes that took place as adventurous people from all walks of life traveled to the Judith Basin to seek their fortune in gold mining in the Judith and Moccasin Mountains or to file homestead claims.
Popular items of interest include replicas of “Valentina,” a Torosaurus dinosaur skull found in the Valentine area. Here, a highly notable, near-complete Torosaurus skull was unearthed in the rural ranch lands near the small community.
Other items of interest include a Red River cart used by the Métis, early settlers in the region; a Norden bombsight; and a wagon owned by James Fergus, founder of Fergus County.
You will also see dioramas, collections (dolls, wedding dresses, hats, firearms, swords, forts, fossils, Native American artifacts, wildlife mounts, printing and office machines, musical instruments, washing machines, irons, quilts, carpentry tools, cameras, medical equipment, and others), military uniforms and gear, an old-fashioned city street and much more.
Interpretive displays feature 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 pistol shot world title holder/sign maker/firearms instructor)
- Charlie Cooley (businessman/civic leader)
- Jimmy Kaaro (circus performer/trick roper/animal trainer/lawman)
- Jane Burnett Smith (bronc rider/stunt rider/author)
We invite you to come sit a spell and browse through the museum’s extensive collections of early photographs and local history books, or visit the museum store for locally made products, memorabilia, and books.
The Central Montana Museum is located at 408 Northeast Main in Lewistown, (406)535-3642, and is open DAILY, Memorial weekend through Labor Day weekend, 10am-4pm.
Special tours may be arranged during the off season by calling (406) 535-9289. For further information, visit centralmtmuseum.weebly.com or email cmha@midrivers.com.