Through the Museum of the Beartooths, the Stillwater Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the rich history, art, and culture of the Stillwater County area.
Our History
The Stillwater Historical Society was formed in 1974 by a small group of individuals. Without a central location, valuable artifacts and archives were stored in various places around the County.
A few years passed, and a warehouse and mobile home became available that was thought to be an ideal location. However, the need for a better, larger facility soon became apparent. Ultimately, land near the County Fairgrounds was leased from Stillwater County. On October 3, 1990, the ground was broken, marking the beginning of the Museum of the Beartooths. Volunteers offered enormous amounts of time to form a functional facility that would provide community access to the history of the County. In 1993, the Museum of the Beartooths opened its doors.
Progress since the Museum’s opening has been phenomenal. Numerous middle and high school students have worked with the museum to do a driving tour brochure, book, and teaching trunk all on the Crow Tribes influence on Stillwater County. Along with general visitors, many schools tour the museum annually.
Currently, the museum is staffed with one full-time director and four seasonal part-time employees that handle the management of the museum.
Board Members
Jennifer France
Jennifer France
- Real Estate Agent
- 21 Year Stillwater County Resident
- 3rd Generation Montanan
Pete Lofing
Pete Lofing
- Electrician
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Resident
Ann Davey
Ann Davey
- Attorney
- Wyoming-born
- Married to 4th Generation Montanan
Karen Schott
Karen Schott
- Farmer
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Farmer
Blake Erfle
Blake Erfle
- Rapelje History Teacher
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Resident
Allen Nordahl
Allen Nordahl
- Rancher
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Resident
Robert Story
Robert Story
- Executive Director at MT Tax Assoc.
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Rancher
Peggy Joki
Peggy Joki
- Retired Registered Nurse
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Resident
Rita Westrum
Rita Westrum
- Retired Real Estate Agent
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Resident
Penny Redli
Maurie Petterson
Maurie Petterson
- Retired Military
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Resident
Tom Hohn
Tom Hohn
- Retired Engineer
- 4th Generation Stillwater County Resident
Casey Olsen
Casey Olsen
- Columbus High School Teacher
- 4th Generation Montana Resident