Historical Society to host Montana History Festival in Helena

The Montana Historical Society will host a five-day community event celebrating the grand opening of the Montana Heritage Center beginning on June 24.

The Montana History Festival will run from June 24 to June 28 and will feature free tours, workshops, live music, an Indigenous artisan market, traditional games, discussions and a signature event on the Capitol lawn with other activities throughout the Queen City, officials said in a news release.

"This festival is our invitation to Montana,” said Molly Kruckenberg, director of the Montana Historical Society. “We've spent years building a facility that tells the story of our state, and now that we're fully open, we want everyone to come see it, experience it, and celebrate it with us. There is something here for every Montanan."

Festivities on the 24th will open along with an Alive at Five concert on the Capitol lawn. And the next two days, MHS will offer free tours of the center, Montana State Capitol and the Original Governor's Mansion.

The tours will run alongside other events including the Indigenous market and music by the Magpie Singers.

On June 27, continued tours will be offered along with workshops, a Historic Organizations Open House in the Capitol Rotunda, traditional Native games on the Capitol lawn, hands-on history activities for families, and Indigenous high tea and fashion show.

Saturday evening on the Capitol lawn, Montana's America 250 celebration will kick off with a flyover and concert by Jack Gladstone and the New Horizons Brass Band.

“Montana's history isn't behind glass,” Kruckenberg said. “It's alive in the places we gather, the traditions we carry, and the stories we tell each other. We can’t wait to celebrate these stories with Montanans of all ages." For a full schedule of events and registration information for ticketed programs visit https://tinyurl.com/ncsjp29y