Montana Heritage Center Making Progress
 | Author:
Representative Julie Dooling
MT State Representative |
In 2019, Senate Bill 338, also known as the Montana Museums Act, was passed (with some controversy in the House of Representatives). This Bill is best known for providing funding to build the new Montana Heritage Center, an endeavor 16 years in the making. Senator Terry Gauthier was the primary bill sponsor, and I had the honor of carrying the bill in the House. Last Friday, Senator Gauthier and I along with Gilda Clancy from Senator Steve Daines office had the opportunity to take a “Hard Hat” tour of the new Heritage Center. While it is still in the early stages of the build, much progress has been made. We were able to wander thru the new space, currently filled with shiny new steel studs, electrical wires, and HVAC ducting, which will add 66,000 square feet to the existing building. This new space will include a 15,000-square-foot gallery, a larger Charles M Russell Gallery, a 300-person event center, a café and a larger Museum Store, are some of the highlights of this new space. Funding is provided from a 1% tax increase in the accommodations tax and millions in private donations.
What really got me excited about this bill, is that SB 338 also provided funding for an ongoing historic preservation grant program for improvements, repairs and renovations to historic sites and museums. This program will allow our local museums the opportunity to apply for grants for minor repairs but also larger infrastructure projects. These grants will ensure that our museums will continue to be an asset to communities across Montana, helping to support economic development and enhance tourism.
For more information, follow the updates online at: https://montanamuseum.org/ or better yet, stop by the museum at 225 N Roberts across the street from the State Capitol.
Rep Julie Dooling
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