Info

The Western Heritage Center is a regional museum that interprets and reflects the life and culture of the Yellowstone River Valley. Located in downtown Billings in the former Parmly Billings Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Western Heritage Center is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and is an Affiliate of The Smithsonian Institution. The Western Heritage Center cares for a collection of over 16,000 artifacts, including over 1,000 photographs that document the social history, architecture, public events and the development of the Yellowstone River Valley. Recent oral history projects have focused on interviews with elderly Yellowstone River Valley residents about farming and ranching activities, Crow and Northern Cheyenne women and Deaconess Billings Clinic personnel. This research will be used for future exhibits and publications. Scholars and students of history from throughout the United States have researched our archives and collection. The Western Heritage Press publishes material relating to the Yellowstone River Valley, including books, pamphlets and a guide to historic sites. Governed by a board of directors representing all aspects of the community, supported by Yellowstone County and private and public contributions, the museum is free to all visitors. An estimated 22,000 people visit the Western Heritage Center Museum and its changing gallery exhibitions each year. Approximately 53% of our visitors are from Montana. Through the Center's varied tasks of collection, preservation and education, its staff of four full- and two part-time employees and volunteers, we continue to share knowledge about life and culture in the Yellowstone River Valley. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed on Sundays and Mondays and legal holidays.