About the Libby Heritage Museum

Season
The Museum is open early June through the end of August. Actual dates vary by year.

History
In 1973, a small group of enthusiastic citizens met and soon became Museum, Inc., a non-profit corporation. The main purpose ‘shall be the recovery of and preservation of historical culture of the Lincoln County area…’, but the immediate need was a place to house the historical collection of the late Roy Porter.

On April 28, 1975, a meeting was held at the Lincoln County Library to discuss building plans of the Heritage Museum.  Various ideas and building methods were presented.  In the end, plans were made to build a twelve sided, 130 foot diameter log structure.

On June 3, 1978, the Heritage Museum opened, manned by volunteers.  From the felling of the first tree, hauling of the logs, peeling, chinking, decking the room, pouring concrete and building exhibits, the support has been wonderful.  The cooperation of hundreds of people, mainly volunteers, is thrilling. 

Special grants and assistance from the Montana Bicentennial Commission, a Bicentennial levy from the Lincoln County Board of commissioners, the St. Regis Co., the Montana Arts Council, the U.S. Forest Service, private businesses, individuals and numerous fund raisers helped bring the Heritage Museum to life.  Continuing success has been made possible by fundraisers, the Montana Historical Society, IMLS, private businesses and individuals. 

Join us as a Heritage Museum Member!
Help support the Heritage Museum as a member or Partner.  Membership funds are put into our General Fund and are used for the operational costs of the museum such as building maintenance, electricity and insurance.  Any level of support is welcome. 

Basic Benefits of Membership include:

• Membership card valid through April 30, 2009
• A vote on all matters brought to the general membership at regular, annual or special meetings of the board or membership. (Applies to members in good standing over the age of 18.)
• The knowledge that you support the Heritage Museum's mission to preserve and interpret the history of the area.

SUPPORT LEVELS:
_____$20.00 per person General Membership
_____$10.00 per person Senior Membership - Over age 65
_____$45.00 Family Membership 1-2 Adults + dependent children (Please list all names and children's ages for Family Membership)
_____$45.00 Business Membership

Memberships and Partnerships at the following levels include a 10% discount on most items at The Heritage Museum Gift Shop (when membership card is shown) in addidtion to Basic Benefits.
_____$50.00 Contributing Membership
_____$100.00 Sustaining Membership
_____$250.00 Heritage Partnership
_____$500.00 Endowing Partnership

In addition to Basic Benefits and the 10% discount, Lifetime Partners will have a certificate placed in a book on display at the Museum entrance. A current Membership Card will be sent each year.
_____$1500.00 Lifetime Partnership

Besides the General Fund there are other special funds set up for specific purposes.

David Thompson Exhibit Fund David Thompson traveled through what is now known as Lincoln County in 1808.  Thompson was working for a fur trading company, North West Company of Montreal, mapping the lands of British Columbia and Inland Northwest to the Pacific Ocean.  Thompson was the first person to map the Headwaters of the Columbia River.  Replicas of Thompson's equipment, maps and information help visitors understand the great journey. 

Historic Preservation Fund This fund maintains the archives, artifact and photographic collections.  Storage boxes, folders and encapsulations are purchased to maintain the highest quality of storage for the items. 

To support the Heritage Museum, please send contributions to:

Heritage Museum
PO  Box 628
Libby, MT  59923

If you would like your contributions to go to a specific fund, please indicate the name of the fund on your check. 

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