Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
The Montana Historical Society preserves Montana’s past, shares our stories, and inspires exploration, to provide meaning for today and vision for tomorrow.
Vision Statement
We inspire people’s innate sense of discovery to connect this and future generations to Montana’s story.
Legislative Goals & Objectives (PDF)
Establishment
The Montana Historical Society was established by the Territorial Legislature of Montana in 1865. We are both a collecting and an educational institution. (See a Timeline (PDF) of our history.)
The MTHS became a state agency in 1891. Statutorily, the MTHS is " . . . an agency of state government for the use, learning, culture, and enjoyment of the citizens of the state and for the acquisition, preservation, and protection of historical records, art, archival, and museum objects, historical places, sites, and monuments and the custody, maintenance, and operation of the historical library, museums, art galleries, and historical places, sites, and monuments." (22-3-101 MCA)
Structure
The MTHS is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees who are appointed by the Governor. (22-3-104 MCA) The Board of Trustees appoints a Director for the Society.
President: Tim Fox
Director: Molly Kruckenberg
The MTHS is organized into six administrative programs: Administration, Library and Archives, Museum, Outreach and Education, Publications, and the State Historic Preservation Office.
MTHS Organizational Chart (PDF)
Reports
MTHS Biennial Report to the Governor (22-3-107 MCA)
2025 Biennial Report (PDF)
Preservation Montana: The Montana Historic Preservation Plan (PDF)
Entities Administratively Attached to the Montana Historical Society
Moss Mansion
MTHS owns the Moss Mansion on behalf of the State. The City of Billings holds a 38.5% interest in the property and delegates all administrative responsibility to local boards via legal agreements that give MTHS oversight of physical changes to the property or actions which could encumber the state.
Boards
Historic Preservation Review Board
