Fort Peck Theatre Awarded Historic Preservation Grant

The Montana Department of Commerce announced on June 29 that 31 Montana communities will share more than $10 million of grant funding for 44 historic preservation projects. The grants, awarded through Commerce's Montana Historic Preservation Grant program (MHPG), will be used to improve historical sites, historical societies and history museums in Montana.

The Fort Peck Summer Theatre received $500,000 to improve the theatre through the Grant program, while recently the Fort Peck Senior Citizens also presented Andy Meyers, the artistic director of the Fort Peck Summer Theatre with a check in the amount of $1,000 to be used for the 26th annual Performing Arts Camp, which is scheduled for the beginning of August, with a final performance on Aug. 11.

"It is important for us to showcase our state's rich history, as well as the culture and heritage that created Montana as we know it today," said Director of the Montana Department of Commerce Scott Osterman. "Montana Historic Preservation Grants help Montana communities increase economic development, community revitalization and statewide tourism through added investment, job creation, business expansion and local tax-base growth."

Project improvements may include infrastructure repair, building renovations, maintenance, remediating building code issues, security enhancements and fire protection.

The Seniors recognize that there are many costs involved in putting on this camp and wanted to be able to contribute to the Theatre as well. The gift will be used for pizza, snacks, bus or wherever they need it for the camp participants. Needless to say, Andy was very appreciative!!

And, to top off the presentation, two gals who are both in the production of Matilda and who have attended the camp in the past and will once again be attending it this summer were with the Seniors. They are Jayli Roller and Isla Belakjon, granddaughters of Fort Peck residents and members of the seniors, Betty and Dave Belakjon.

This is one of the many projects that the Fort Peck Seniors have donated to from their various fund-raising events, such as the annual Slam the Dam in March, the Pancake Breakfast in the Downstream Campground when Glasgow has their cross-country Invitational meet in September, and table/chair rentals (10 eight-foot tables and 80 chairs) for local events.