About the Libby

Heritage Museum

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 to discuss building plans for building a twelve-sided, 130-foot diameter log structure.   On June 3, 1978, the Heritage Museum building 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 was 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, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Montana Department of Commerce, Montana History Foundation, Montana Ofice of Tourism and Business Development, and many individual private donors. Join our growing membership at The Heritage Museum 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: · A vote on 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 55 _____$45.00 Family Membership 1-2 Adults + dependent children (Please list all names and children's ages for Family Membership) _____$50.00 Business Membership Memberships and Partnerships at the following levels include a 10% discount on most items at The Heritage Museum Gift Shop (when valid 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: Equipment, Locomotive and Railroad Fund For all aspects of the care, housing, and rebuild of equipment, the J. Neils Shay #4, related structures, & displays. General Fund (Unrestricted) For all aspects of maintenance, daily operations, improvements to the buildings & grounds, utilities, and other costs. Historic Preservation Fund For all aspects of preparing and preservation of historic photos, documents, and artifacts, and necessary acquisitions. Accessioned Vehicle Fund For all aspects of the care and maintenance of the Model T Fords and other historical vehicles in the collection. Education & Training For all aspects of training and educating museum volunteers to approved museum practices. Memorial Fund In honor or remembrance of beloved family members, friends, associates, events, or even pets. To support the Heritage Museum, please send contributions to: The Heritage Museum 34067 US Highway 2 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.  Volunteers Join us as a Heritage Museum Volunteer. Unique opportunities and rewards await you! Volunteers entirely operate the museum. Our committees include: Archives, Buildings & Grounds, Exhibits, Gift Shop, Grnts, Railroad, and Acquisitioned Vehicles (Model T’s, etc.). Please let us know about your areas of interest and skills on the Volunteer application form. Donations The Heritage Museu is a 501(c)3 organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate to the Heritage Museum