World-Class Museum Nearly Complete as Montana Historical Society Launches Final Fundraising Push

With the finish line tantalizingly close, the Montana Historical Society is making one last push to complete what will become the state's premier destination for preserving and sharing Montana's rich history. The organization announced this week that it needs just $1 million more to reach its $60 million capital campaign goal for the Montana Heritage Center in Helena.

The campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, having already raised $59 million through what Ginny Sullivan, Development Officer for the Montana Historical Society, calls "the extraordinary generosity of donors across Montana and beyond." Now, with construction well underway and the project taking dramatic shape, they're calling on the community to help them cross the finish line.

The photos from the construction site tell the story of a facility that's clearly nearing completion. Workers can be seen putting finishing touches on exhibit installations, including vintage tourism posters that capture Montana's allure from decades past. The sleek, modern exterior stands in stunning contrast against Helena's historic downtown, its angular limestone and steel facade promising a world-class museum experience.

When finished, the Heritage Center will be a transformative addition to Montana's cultural landscape. The project adds 66,000 square feet of new space while extensively remodeling the existing 95,000-square-foot structure. Visitors will find three museum galleries, an event center, educational classrooms, a reference room for researchers, a café, and retail space featuring Made in Montana products. Perhaps most intriguingly, an interpretive trail will connect visitors to Montana's landscape and history, creating an immersive experience that extends beyond traditional museum walls.

The final fundraising drive, running through July 30, welcomes donations of any amount. "We emphasize that every contribution matters," Sullivan said, noting that this represents "an opportunity for every Montanan to be a part of something truly special – a world class facility that will preserve our heritage for generations to come."

The campaign's success reflects deep connections between donors and Montana's story. Major supporters including the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Norm Asbjornson, and BNSF Railway have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the project. Wells Fargo's $250,000 contribution comes with a particularly meaningful connection—in 2004, the bank donated a significant collection of Montana gold artifacts that will soon be featured in the Heritage Center's Homeland Gallery.

"Several items from that same collection will be featured in the Heritage Center's Homeland Gallery," Sullivan noted, highlighting how the relationships between donors and the institution often extend far beyond monetary support. "These artifacts and others like them represent the deep roots many donors have in Montana's story and their ongoing commitment to sharing that narrative."

The Heritage Center represents more than just a museum expansion—it's a testament to Montana's commitment to preserving its heritage for future generations. As construction photos show workers carefully installing historical exhibits and putting finishing touches on the striking modern architecture, the vision is clearly becoming reality.

"The Montana Heritage Center will stand as a testament not only to our state's remarkable history, but also to the generosity and vision of the people who made it possible," Sullivan said.

For those wanting to be part of this final chapter, donations can be made at mths.mt.gov/donate through July 30. With just $1 million standing between Montana and its new world-class heritage facility, every contribution brings the state closer to this remarkable achievement.