Pioneer Museum Sets Stage for 1915 Glasgow

The Pioneer Museum of Valley County recently launched a sizable expansion adding over 5000 square feet to the museum in brand new exhibit space. The new annex seeks to recreate Glasgow's Main Street, circa 1915; a "hot time" in Glasgow's history according to Dave Pippin, former Valley County commissioner and current chair of the Valley County Museum Board. Pippin stated, "We chose 1915 because this was a time when Glasgow really took off in terms of expansion and settlement." The exhibit is entirely indoors and will consist of replicas of a hotel, jeweler, doctor's office, barber, confectionery, hardware store, emporium, and finally a train station which will serve as a stage for presentations, historical acts and displays. The intent of the annex is to truly bring to life a period in Glasgow's history for modern visitors and residents to enjoy while visiting the museum and Glasgow.

The project began following a joint decision by the Valley County Museum Board, the Valley County Historical Society and the Valley County Pioneer Museum to apply a recent windfall of money provided to the museum at the bequest of one Lee I. Niedringhaus, of St. Louis, whose tie to Glasgow came as he was writing a book on his family's heritage. The book, titled The N Bar N Ranch - A Cattle & Ranching Enterprise: 1885-1899, highlights his family's use of Glasgow while driving cattle from Texas to Canada. According to Barb Hoffman, Pioneer Museum Supervisor, Lee travelled to Glasgow for his book and it had an apparent impact causing him to leave a portion of his wealth to the Valley County Pioneer Museum which triggered the expansion and exhibit. Currently, the intent is for the replica town's facades to be completed and open to visitors June 1, while the display designs and procurement of historical items to place in them could take years, according to Pippin and Hoffman.

Additionally, despite the sizable donation made at Lee's bequest, Pippin and Hoffman estimate that the museum will need to continue to raise funds for the curation of the individual displays.

The museum and historical society are always looking to expand the reach of the historical society and museum in Valley County. "We are constantly looking for new members and fresh perspectives," exclaimed Barb, "and we can always use donations and items to display."

"This is a good place to keep family artifacts that people aren't sure what to do with," added Dave.

To make a monetary or artifact donation or to become a member of the museum or historical society, you can contact Hoffman at 228-8692, via mail at 816 US-2, Glasgow, MT 59230, or stop in to the museum during business hours Monday through Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and see her. Appointments for special groups or events can also be made by contacting Hoffman.