Programs

The John White Speaker Series returns in a new, improved format

For nineteen years, the Northwest Montana Historical Society’s John White Speaker Series has been a highlight of the season, returning year after year to break up the dark winter and entertain us all with a reliable slate of engaging and insightful discussions.

If there was anything to be gained during the last year, circumstances propelled us even faster into the digital age, enabling us to reach more people than ever. At the same time, the personal, face to face connections were sorely missed. So this year, with lessons learned and new tricks up our sleeves, we are proud to offer BOTH in-person and digital presentations.

All John White Series presentations are Sundays at 2:00pm.
New for 2022, the Museum is happy to offer three different ways to experience the John White Speaker Series –

Members of the Northwest Montana Historical Society can reserve the entire series for a discounted rate of $35
General Admission to each individual event is $10 per person.

All admission sales include a digital version of the presentation, to be provided by email the day after the event. Purchase in person at the Museum (located at 124 2nd Avenue East in Downtown Kalispell), or call 406-756-8381 to register and pay by credit card.

Digital-only access will be available on the Museum website (https://www.nwmthistory.org/programs/john-white-speaker-series/) for $8 per event, and will also include entry to the “overflow” room at the Museum with a live-stream during the presentation. Like the other John Whites Series option, the digital version of the presentation will be provided the day after the event.

Due to health and safety preclusions related to the COVID 19 pandemic, in-person attendance will be limited, so advance reservations are highly recommended. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Northwest Montana History Museum at 406-756-8381, or by email at museum@nwmthistory.org.

Come witness the changes of time through then and now imagery

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Change over time is often difficult to visualize. Before we know it, the landscape has shifted, buildings are demolished and erected, and new people and businesses have displaced what once was. And the truth is, we become accustomed to these changes remarkably quickly. Too often, all that is left is our memories, and those memories get dimmer each passing day. On Sunday November 14th, at 2pm, the Museum is happy to welcome back Doug Ammons, who will visit the museum with an innovative, visual presentation of how Montana has changed over time. The final decades of the 19th century are among the most dynamic in the history of the state, as the west was “won” and trading posts began to sprout into communities. Each image that Doug will introduce starts from this time period, before slowly changing before our eyes into the modern landscape, a century of transformation depicted in mere seconds. At each new image, eyes will widen and jaws will undoubtedly drop to the ground in amazement. On top of the visuals, Doug’s story-telling will bring the history to life in a way that a static photograph simply cannot.

Doug Ammons attended the University of Montana for degrees in mathematics and physics, and his PhD in experimental psychology, and has pursued many other interests such as geology and history. He is an award winning author, Emmy Award winning cinematographer, scientific editor, and extreme kayaker. There will be book sales and signing by the author.

Doug last visited the Museum in 2019, when he visited the Museum to talk about A Darkness Lit By Heroes, his excellent account of the Granite Mountain-Speculator Mining Disaster in Butte. The book has been chosen as the Museum’s Historic Book Club selection for December 1st. It is available in our Schoolbell Books & Gifts, and Doug will also be selling and signing copies of the book after the November 14th presentation.

Although Doug has delivered this presentation in the Valley before, it has since been expanded with never-before-seen content and more of a local, Northwest Montana flair! Masks are not required but are highly recommended for all attendees. The Museum is also exploring ways to make this content available digitally. This event is FREE to attend, and all donations will go to Doug to offset his travel expenses

Time to Break Out the Fabric Swatches: Quilting Classes Resume at the Northwest Montana History Museum

As the skies begin to clear and leaves begin to fall, all of us here in the Flathead Valley can breathe a small sigh of relief. However, with these welcoming signs of Autumn come cooler temperatures. And like clockwork, we also mark the season’s change with the return of our popular Quilting Class! Beginning in October, the class will be meeting at the Museum every other Wednesday through November from 1 to 4 pm.
FALL QUILTING DATES (all classes are on Wednesdays from 1 to 4pm)
 
Oct 6
Oct 20
Nov 3
Nov 17 
Anybody interested can attend any or all weeks, as the class is completely free and open to the public. Participants can be complete beginners or experienced quilters looking to learn tips and new skills for projects, or looking for fellowship with fellow quilters. Swatches and tools are provided, although participants should feel free to bring anything they would like to use. The workshop is led by local quilter and Museum volunteer Betty Jo Malone, and, after a month off, will be returning on a similar schedule in January.  Any questions can be directed to Betty Jo at 406-755-6323. After the last couple of years, we can all us a little more comfort in our lives, so learning to make your own quilt should be first on your list.

Movie Night does some matchmaking

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – Monday, August 23, 7:00pm

The Northwest Montana History Museum is happy to announce the next Movie Night at the Museum on Monday, Aug. 23, with the 1954 classic musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers!

Milly (Jane Powell) is excited to move in with her new husband Adam (Howard Keel ), picturing a life of domestic bliss. She is less excited by what she finds, a pig sty occupied by Adam and his six rough-and-tumble brothers.  After living with Milly, the brothers decide they want to find wives of their own; apparently, there is a fine line between “finding” and “abducting”.

Though still very much considered a great work of classic cinema, much of the discussion around Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in recent decades has been of the themes of sexism and women’s rights.  In fact, in a more modern lens, elements of the film are more easily viewed as satire than actual plot points. To illustrate, the following alliterative slogan was used to promote the film in 1954:

  • Adam abducted Milly
  • Benjamin brought Dorcas
  • Caleb caught Ruth
  • Daniel detained Martha
  • Ephraim eloped with Liza
  • Frank fetched Sarah
  • Gideon grabbed Alice