Ravalli County Montana Museum

All you need to know about Ravalli County is housed in the County Museum. You'll find newspaper files of historical events, obituaries, and biographies of luminaries. If you need information on early history, there's a wealth of history books and old Montana magazines and journals that any history buff would love to get their hands on.

A museum that is in itself a showpiece is not something you see everyday, but the Ravalli County Museum would easily fit into this category. Designed by the renowned A.J.Gibson as a courthouse, this fine example of architectural beauty was condemned to the demolition ball in 1979. But the townspeople had their say and it soon changed tags and became the County museum.

The Museum houses documents, pictures, maps, plans, books and artifacts that point to the considerable historic importance of the Bitterroot valley. Substantial effort has gone into collecting old manuscripts and documents that bear witness to early periods in history, when the early settlers trickled into the land and set up homes. The efforts and contributions of missionaries such as Fr. De Smet in shaping the West can be easily gauged from the data collected and exhibited here.

Displays that have succeeded in replicating Native American lifestyles, Victorian homes, and even scientific exhibits make this place a treasure trove of history and culture awaiting discovery. Sunday afternoons would be a great time to visit, for that's when they have cultural and historical programs for visitors. The Museum is located at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. They are open Thursday, Friday, and Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays 1p.m. to 4 p.m.