The Bitter Root Valley has always been a bustling place where Native Tribes, trappers, miners, ranchers, pioneers, farmers, business men and women and many others mixed and mingled and sought to establish themselves. 2023 marks 130 years since the Montana State Legislature created Ravalli County, and the Ravalli County Museum is going to celebrate this milestone all year long! Join us as we explore the origins of the Valley, the beginnings of Ravalli County and some highlights from the past 130 years.
Museum staff and volunteers have worked to gather maps, photographs, oral histories and objects from the Museum collection to share the story of how Ravalli County came to be and how the past 130 years have shaped the present and the future. We recognize that there are infinite stories to tell about the individuals and groups who settled the Valley and made the County what it is today. We wish we could tell each and every story! With limited space, this exhibit touches on the creation of the County, and is organized by topics such as education, agriculture and industry to give a broad sense of who Bitterrooters are and always have been.
New interactive elements have been added to this exhibit, perfect for visitors of all ages to touch and enjoy as they try out a vintage typewriter, learn 130 fun facts, take part in a Timeline Challenge and more. There will be opportunities for visitors to share their own experiences about life in the Bitter Root Valley, and we look forward to adding your stories for all to enjoy!
Something new for the Museum is the installation of a satellite exhibit created by the Victor Heritage Museum in the gallery. This introduction to the rich history of Victor included photos and objects from the Victor Heritage Museum’s collection and is a welcome addition to this year of celebration. We have enjoyed working with board members and volunteers from the Victor Heritage Museum to host this exhibit, and look forward to working with other Museums in the Valley in the future.
The Museum’s celebration of the past 130 years will continue throughout 2023 with different elements being added to the exhibit, a Ravalli County Passport Challenge during the summer (more information to come) and special speakers. We look forward to a busy year of sharing our love of the Bitter Root Valley with all of you!
The exhibit Celebrating 130 Years of Ravalli County will open on Friday March 3, 2023 at 6:30pm in the Courtroom Gallery of the Ravalli County Museum. Renowned local historian L. Allen Strate will share a few of his favorite stories about the Bitter Root Valley learned through his years of researching and writing about the Valley, and as it’s a birthday…there will be cake!