During the spring and summer I am often at the Ravalli County Museum booth at the Farmers Market. It is enjoyable visiting with people as they stop by. Asking them if they have ever been in our fabulous museum results in some interesting answers: “Oh, yes, it is wonderful!” “Yes, indeed, many times,” “My grandchildren love it!” etc. The funniest response to me is: “No, I haven’t. Where is it?” At that point, I usually laugh and point behind me, indicating that the museum is right behind our booth. How interesting that regular attendees of the Farmers Market are there week after week, oblivious to the fact that the museum is right there!
The public needs to know what great opportunities it provides. There are many things, most importantly, the history of the Bitter Root Valley and its inhabitants. This is done by presenting speakers, making available for research archival material via newspapers, videos, Ernst Peterson photographs, maps, etc. to the public, as well as educational programs and rotating exhibits for children and adults. Local schools bring students for tours so they can experience the many unique cultural and historic artifacts on display. Home-schoolers use the venue for presentations of their science fairs and enactment of historical figures. Having always been a lover of kids, one of my favorite activities for them is the Saturday free admission for them to participate in all kinds of activities, last summer having been educational science experiments and discoveries. They love it! In 2015, in our workshops, 8,372 children participated while 2,753 toured our exhibits.
The most well-known events occurring at the museum are Bitter Root Day in June and Apple Day in October. Huge crowds turn out for these special times.
Upcoming in the June primary election will be a request for a one mill (1) levy, which, if successful, will help the museum to continue providing the wonderful programs that it currently has. Many individuals are under the assumption that the Ravalli County Museum receives tax monies for its operations. This is not correct. The services provided by the museum are currently funded by memberships, fundraisers, events, gift shop sales, admission fees, bequests, donations, and grants, most of which are limited. In addition to these, we have been using our reserves, which are nearly depleted.
So, in order to continue with our services to the community, the upcoming mill levy is extremely important to the museum. The owner of a home valued at $200,000.00 would pay $2.70 PER YEAR, which seems minimal to individuals, but HUGE to the museum. I urge voters to support this very important request and invite you all to come visit YOUR Ravalli County Museum.
Laurie Burnham, volunteer board member
Hamilton