Montana Heritage Center Nears Completion with Final $1M Fundraising Push
Historical Society launches final campaign to complete $60 million capital project by July 30

By Staff Writer
Jun 13, 2025
HELENA — The Montana Historical Society has launched its final fundraising campaign to complete the Montana Heritage Center, seeking $1 million to reach its $60 million capital campaign goal. With $59 million already secured, the organization is making a final push through July 30 to complete what will become Montana’s premier historical preservation facility.
The Heritage Center is being constructed at the currently closed site of the Montana Historical Society at 6th Avenue and Roberts in the Montana Capitol Complex, adjacent to the state capitol building.
Project Overview
The completed Montana Heritage Center will transform the existing facility by adding 66,000 square feet of new space while extensively remodeling the current 95,000-square-foot structure. The state-of-the-art facility will feature:
- Three museum galleries
- An event center
- Educational classrooms
- A reference room for researchers
- A café and retail space featuring Made in Montana products
- An interpretive trail connecting visitors to Montana’s landscape and history
Broad Support Base
The campaign’s success reflects strong community backing from major donors including the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Norm Asbjornson, and BNSF Railway. Wells Fargo contributed $250,000 to the project and has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Society, including a 2004 donation of Montana gold artifacts that will be featured in the Heritage Center’s Homeland Gallery.
“We are incredibly grateful to have come this far thanks to the overwhelming support from donors who share our vision,” said Ginny Sullivan, Development Officer for the Montana Historical Society. “This final stretch represents an opportunity for every Montanan to be a part of something truly special – a world class facility that will preserve our heritage for generations to come.”
Final Campaign Details
The Society emphasizes that donations of any amount are welcome during the final phase. The campaign runs through July 30, with contributions accepted at mths.mt.gov/donate.
“We hope everyone who values Montana’s history will consider helping us cross the finish line,” Sullivan said. “The Montana Heritage Center will stand as a testament not only to our state’s remarkable history, but also to the generosity and vision of the people who made it possible.”
Opening Timeline
While the fundraising campaign concludes July 30, the Montana Heritage Center will open to the public on December 2, 2025, with a ribbon cutting and press event. A multi-day grand opening celebration is planned for June 25-28, 2026.
For more information about the Montana Heritage Center and the final campaign, visit montanamuseum.org.
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