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The Northwest Montana History Museum lays on the holiday spirit with an open house 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30.

Festive touches adorn every room, with highlighted history specific to each exhibit. In addition, carolers are welcome to join in as museum staffer and expert pianist Donna Buckalew takes to the keys for holiday standards in Hollensteiner-Stahl Hall.

Refreshments are on offer, including bags of goodies for the kids, other holiday treast, and hot spiced cider. The big guy in the red suit is scheduled to make an appearance for photos and any gift requests.

The late-1800s sleigh with modern props makes a perfect opportunity for pictures.

Come on out and load up on seasonal smiles and cheer.

Admission is free, and all are welcome!

Details: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
Northwest Montana History Museum, 406-756-8381 option 6; 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901; nwmthistory.org

For the most part, film fans often find themselves a bit disappointed with the sequel to a popular movie, but that wasn’t the case with 1935’s The Bride of Frankenstein. The film screens 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Northwest Montana History Museum.

This classic sequel to 1931’s Frankenstein features many cast members from the first film, including Boris Karloff as the monster and Colin Clive as Dr. Frankenstein. The movie also features Elsa Lanchester playing both Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and the bride. Other cast members include Ernest Thesiger and O.P. Heggie.

In this sequel, Dr. Frankenstein’s efforts to abandon his attempt to create life are thwarted by threats from the monster who wants a bride. The doctor is eventually blackmailed by his former mentor, Dr. Pretorius (Thesiger), into constructing a mate for the monster. 

The film opened to critical and popular acclaim and its reputation has only grown over the years. In fact, some fans and critics consider it to be not only a great sequel, but better than the original film. In 1998, it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry having been deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”

Doors open 6:30 p.m. and admission and popcorn are free. Soda pop, water, beer, and wine are available for purchase. Seating is provided, but viewers are welcome to bring their own cushions or seating.

The Northwest Montana History Museum brings the past alive through exhibits, artifacts, educational programs, and events. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 124 Second Ave. East, Kalispell. For information call 406-756-8381.

Snowshoes are a shoo-in for our next 10 Items exhibit focused on Recreation. Above, North Fork kids circa 1931 show off their favored mode of winter transport in an image from the Northwest Montana History Museum’s collection.

The 10 Items exhibits run in one of the museum’s two temporary galleries and showcase items from the collection that fit a theme. The recreation-focused exhibit follows on The Way We Wore, 10 uniforms worn by Flathead Valley residents as they went about work, school, and fun.

Find out nine other ways Flathead Valley residents enjoyed themselves when the exhibit opens 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at your history museum, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Admission is free, and refreshments provided! See you then and there.