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Copyright (c) 2011 - Museums Association of Montana - All Rights Reserved
Museums Association of Montana is an Approved 501(c)3 Organization with the United States Government
Website Design by Montana Grafix, LLC - Chinook, Montana
Museums Association of Montana is an Approved 501(c)3 Organization with the United States Government
Website Design by Montana Grafix, LLC - Chinook, Montana
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Bill Peterson, President
PO Box 126
Sheriad, MT
406-842-5020
williap@3rivers.net
PO Box 126
Sheriad, MT
406-842-5020
williap@3rivers.net
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Bill Peterson - From 2005 to 2011, Bill Peterson was the Curator of Interpretation with the Montana Heritage Commission in Virginia and Nevada Cities. He has an MA Museum Studies and a Ph.D. in American Culture Studies and has worked in museum administration since 1991. From 2000 to 2004 he was the Executive Director of the Northwest Montana Historical Society in Kalispell. Prior to joining the Montana Heritage Commission Bill operated a historical research and museum consulting business in Kalispell where he served as the U.S. chairman of the David Thompson Bicentennials Partnership and worked as the first statewide coordinator for the Museums Association of Montana. He has taught Montana History for Flathead Valley Community College and is the author of one book, numerous articles and the curator of several museum exhibits in Kalispell and Libby. He and his wife Susan now live in Sheridan.
Chas Weldon, Vice President
Contact Information
Contact Information
Chas. Weldon is currently the director of the Yellowstone County Museum in Billings, MT. Prior to taking the directorship of the YCM in 2008, Chas. was self-employed as a custom saddle maker. Beginning in 1976 at the old Connolly Saddlery in Billings, Chas. served an apprenticeship and then traveled the Western U.S. working in many saddle shops and on cattle ranches. The world of saddle making is a daily lesson in western history. The tools are antiques and saddle making procedures are a lesson in practical usage and the history of cowboy equipment.
Chas. has served on the MAM Board of Directors since 2009. He accompanied MAM Board President Bill Peterson and Board Sec./Treasurer Penny Redli to the National Museum Advocacy Convention in Washington D. C. in February 2011.
Chas. has served on the MAM Board of Directors since 2009. He accompanied MAM Board President Bill Peterson and Board Sec./Treasurer Penny Redli to the National Museum Advocacy Convention in Washington D. C. in February 2011.
John G. Lepley was born to generations of Montanan’s, John G. “Jack” Lepley and grew up in Fort Benton where he still resides. He received a B.S degree from the University of Montana-Missoula in 1950 and an M.S. from the same institution in 1961. For years Jack taught and coached at Fort Benton High School, where he was the chairman of the Science Department from 1960 until his retirement in 1993. His community involvement has been consistent through the years-ranging from stints on the city and country planning boards (1980-1990) to terms as a councilman for the City of Fort Benton (1980-1988) to work as the executive director of the River and Plains Society Board of Trustees (1986-present).
Governor Brian Schweitzer appointed Mr. Lepley to the Board of Trustees of the Montana Historical Society in 2005 for a full five-year term. Jack has been the driving force behind the several museums and historic sites in/near Fort Benton, has devoted terms to both the Montana Historic Preservation Review Board (1980-1988) and has been a director of the Museums Association of Montana since 1999, and served on the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission 1997-2006.
Governor Brian Schweitzer appointed Mr. Lepley to the Board of Trustees of the Montana Historical Society in 2005 for a full five-year term. Jack has been the driving force behind the several museums and historic sites in/near Fort Benton, has devoted terms to both the Montana Historic Preservation Review Board (1980-1988) and has been a director of the Museums Association of Montana since 1999, and served on the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission 1997-2006.
Jude Sheppard has lived in North Central Montana most of her life. She and husband, Terry, owned a ranch in the Bear Paw Mountains before moving to Chinook. She worked at Western Bank for six years as the new accounts rep.
In 1996, Jude started her career as curator of the Blaine County Museum. Her duties are wide-ranging, and include the responsibilities of registrar and collections manager, staff supervisor, bookstore and gift shop manager, and tour guide. During her tenure, she has created several new exhibits, renovated old exhibits, initiated the booking of traveling exhibits for the museum’s gallery, and is currently redesigning the display cases in the Paleontology exhibit.
Jude also works in partnership with the National Park Service to maintain the Blaine County Museum’s role as interim visitor center for the Bear Paw Battlefield.
She presently serves as secretary for the Blaine County Museum Board is on the Board of Directors of the Blaine County Wildlife Museum and Russell Country, is active with the Montana Dinosaur Trail, and is treasurer for the Chinook Community Christmas Club.
In 1996, Jude started her career as curator of the Blaine County Museum. Her duties are wide-ranging, and include the responsibilities of registrar and collections manager, staff supervisor, bookstore and gift shop manager, and tour guide. During her tenure, she has created several new exhibits, renovated old exhibits, initiated the booking of traveling exhibits for the museum’s gallery, and is currently redesigning the display cases in the Paleontology exhibit.
Jude also works in partnership with the National Park Service to maintain the Blaine County Museum’s role as interim visitor center for the Bear Paw Battlefield.
She presently serves as secretary for the Blaine County Museum Board is on the Board of Directors of the Blaine County Wildlife Museum and Russell Country, is active with the Montana Dinosaur Trail, and is treasurer for the Chinook Community Christmas Club.
Kevin Kooistra-Manning
Western Heritage Center
2822 Montana Ave
Billings, MT 59101
Kevinkm@ywhc.org
406-256-6809
406-256-6850 Fax
Western Heritage Center
2822 Montana Ave
Billings, MT 59101
Kevinkm@ywhc.org
406-256-6809
406-256-6850 Fax
Kevin Kooistra is Community Historian at the Western Heritage Center, Billings. A native of New Jersey, Kooistra has worked in Montana for the past twenty-five years as an archeologist, cultural anthropologist, teacher, scriptwriter, and historian. His work at the Western Heritage Center includes exhibit research and design, grant writing, public programming, video scripting, and managing the museum’s collections. The Western Heritage Center, one of six museums in Montana accredited by the American Association of Museums, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2011.
He received an B.S. degree from Montana State University Bozeman and an M.S. in Applied Anthropology from Northern Arizona University. He serves on the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board and Museums Association of Montana Board, was an advisor for the Museum Loan Network’s and Massachusetts Institute of Technology project, Connecting Stories: Connecting Objects, and has presented at national and regional museum conferences. From 2000-2006, the Montana Historical Society appointed him to the Cultural & Aesthetics Projects Advisory Committee that reviews all Cultural Trust Grants and makes funding recommendations to the Montana Legislature. Kevin and his two daughters live in the historic Pioneer Park neighborhood of Billings.
He received an B.S. degree from Montana State University Bozeman and an M.S. in Applied Anthropology from Northern Arizona University. He serves on the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board and Museums Association of Montana Board, was an advisor for the Museum Loan Network’s and Massachusetts Institute of Technology project, Connecting Stories: Connecting Objects, and has presented at national and regional museum conferences. From 2000-2006, the Montana Historical Society appointed him to the Cultural & Aesthetics Projects Advisory Committee that reviews all Cultural Trust Grants and makes funding recommendations to the Montana Legislature. Kevin and his two daughters live in the historic Pioneer Park neighborhood of Billings.
Deb Mitchell
Program Specialist
Montana Historical Society
PO Box 201201
225 North Roberts
Helena, MT 59620-1201
dmitchell@mt.gov
406-444-4789
Program Specialist
Montana Historical Society
PO Box 201201
225 North Roberts
Helena, MT 59620-1201
dmitchell@mt.gov
406-444-4789
Deb Mitchell has been the Program Specialist at the Montana Historical Society Outreach and Interpretation Program for the last 10 years. Here she manages 3 interpretative sites, the Montana Historical Society Museum, the Montana State Capitol, and the Original Governor’s Mansion. She also provides help in developing online and published lesson plans and curriculum for teachers and educators throughout the state. Deb has also worked for the Museums Association of Montana since 2007 as the Membership and Program Coordinator.
Penny Redli, Secretary/Treasurer
Museum of the Beartooths
PO Box 1
Columbus, MT 59019
jim_penny@msn.com
406-322-4588 (W)
Museum of the Beartooths
PO Box 1
Columbus, MT 59019
jim_penny@msn.com
406-322-4588 (W)
In February 2008, Penny Redli started her position as Executive Director at the Museum of the Beartooths in Columbus, Montana. She is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the museum. In the last two years she has re-organized all exhibits as well as developed many new exhibits and has tenaciously worked on making this County museum a visible cultural facility. In 2009, the museum completed an Institute of Museum and Library Services Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) grant of which Kay Karol Horse Capture, CAP Conservator, stated, “It is definitely one of the better small town museums. The integrity of the place is so high. They shoot for the highest standards.” Prior to the Museum of the Beartooths, Penny was Executive Director of the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum in Red Lodge for nine years. During her time at the Carbon County Museum, she filled the newly renovated building with exhibits, organized the move of the archives and artifacts, and assisted in the continuing effort to develop this small hometown museum into a first class museum. Prior to working with museums, she was a rodeo photographer and worked for 12 years for Coleman Gallery and Studio in Red Lodge, as photographers assistant, museum framing and matting, and hanging photography shows. Redli is a fourth generation Carbon County resident who is proud of her Finnish heritage.
Penny has been on the Museums Association of Montana (MAM) Board of Directors for eight years to assist in promoting professionalism to Montana’s museums. She is currently the Secretary/Treasurer and was the annual conference chair for five years. In 2010 & 2011, along with two MAM board members, she traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for Montana’s museums at the American Association of Museum’s Museum Advocacy Days. In 2002, the Montana Historical Society appointed her to the 16 member Cultural & Aesthetics Projects Advisory Committee that reviews all Cultural Trust Grants and makes funding recommendations to the Montana Legislature. In 2008, she was appointed chair of the committee. She thoroughly enjoys serving in this capacity and following up on many of the projects around Montana that were assisted with funding from the Cultural Trust Grant.
Penny has been on the Museums Association of Montana (MAM) Board of Directors for eight years to assist in promoting professionalism to Montana’s museums. She is currently the Secretary/Treasurer and was the annual conference chair for five years. In 2010 & 2011, along with two MAM board members, she traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for Montana’s museums at the American Association of Museum’s Museum Advocacy Days. In 2002, the Montana Historical Society appointed her to the 16 member Cultural & Aesthetics Projects Advisory Committee that reviews all Cultural Trust Grants and makes funding recommendations to the Montana Legislature. In 2008, she was appointed chair of the committee. She thoroughly enjoys serving in this capacity and following up on many of the projects around Montana that were assisted with funding from the Cultural Trust Grant.
Amanda Trum received a Master’s in Museum Studies from the University of Florida and has worked in a collections management capacity for several museums, including internships at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. and the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT. Before graduate school she spent several years working on Cultural Resource Management archaeology projects across the country. Amanda has been the Collections Manager at the Montana Historical Society since 2007. She edits the quarterly Museums Association of Montana newsletter.
Amanda Trum
Collections Manager
Montana Historical Society
225 N. Roberts St., PO Box 201201
Helena, MT 59620-1201
(406)444-4719
ATrum@mt.gov
Collections Manager
Montana Historical Society
225 N. Roberts St., PO Box 201201
Helena, MT 59620-1201
(406)444-4719
ATrum@mt.gov
Benjamin Clark
Executive Director
MonDak Heritage Center
120 3rd Ave. SE
Sidney, MT 59270
bclark@richland.org
406-433-3500
Executive Director
MonDak Heritage Center
120 3rd Ave. SE
Sidney, MT 59270
bclark@richland.org
406-433-3500
Benjamin L. Clark is Executive Director of the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney. B.A. in History from York College in York, Nebraska. M.A. in Museum Science from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Formerly with the Oklahoma Historical Society. Benjamin has worked in museums for eight years. He joined the MAM board in January 2011. He and his native Montana bride are glad to be back in Montana.
Robert Brown, PhD
Executive Director
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Building #322 - Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804
406-728-3476
rmbrown@montana.com ftmslamuseum@montana.com www.fortmissoulamuseum.org
Executive Director
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Building #322 - Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804
406-728-3476
rmbrown@montana.com ftmslamuseum@montana.com www.fortmissoulamuseum.org
Robert Brown - "Dr. Bob" has a Ph.D. in early American history from the University of New Hampshire, 1983, his dissertation was "'Surely We Have Deserved a Better Fate,' The Loyalists of New Hampshire." He taught college history courses in NH and has worked in museums since 1980 - at Strawbery Banke in NH, T.C. Steele State Historic Site in IN, and the Museum of American Textile History in MA. He has been Executive Director of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, in Missoula, MT, since 1991. He has served on the board of the Mountain-Plains Museums Association as state representative, program co-chair, local arrangements chair, secretary, treasurer, small museums administrators chair, and conference co-chair. He has served on the Council of the American Association for State and Local History. He is a peer reviewer for the American Association of Museums, serving as an accreditation and MAP reviewer. His hobbies include traveling, gardening, walking, reading, and doing first person presentations as C.P. Higgins, founder of Missoula, and Major Charles C. Rawn, founder of Fort Missoula. He is married to Claudia H. Brown of NH, and they have 2 cats, and love to travel.
Colleen Curry
Supervisory Museum Curator
Yellowstone National Park
200 Old Yellowstone Trail
Gardiner, MT 59030
Colleen_Curry@nps.gov
(307) 344-2262
Supervisory Museum Curator
Yellowstone National Park
200 Old Yellowstone Trail
Gardiner, MT 59030
Colleen_Curry@nps.gov
(307) 344-2262
Colleen E. Curry, a native of Orange County, New York, has been the supervisory museum curator at Yellowstone National Park since June 2003. Since her arrival she has planned and supervised the move of the park’s several million item collection to the new Heritage and Research Center, planned the organization of the new storage areas, and continued with the collections documentation and acquisitions program. In addition to overseeing the park’s museum program, she also supervises the park archives program and is responsible for the Yellowstone Research Library.
Colleen received her M.A. in Museum Studies (with an academic concentration in American Studies) from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, and her B.A. cum laude in History and English Literature (with a minor in Anthropology) from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. She has over 20 years of experience in the museum field and has served as assistant curator at both The Hermitage - Home of Andrew Jackson (TN) and the Supreme Court of the United States (Washington, DC); as well as collections manager at the Lehigh County Historical Society (PA) and curator of both Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial (VA) and the George Washington Memorial Parkway (VA). She has also worked at Clara Barton National Historic Site (MD), Gettysburg National Military Park (PA) and Stones River National Battlefield (TN).
Colleen received her M.A. in Museum Studies (with an academic concentration in American Studies) from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, and her B.A. cum laude in History and English Literature (with a minor in Anthropology) from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. She has over 20 years of experience in the museum field and has served as assistant curator at both The Hermitage - Home of Andrew Jackson (TN) and the Supreme Court of the United States (Washington, DC); as well as collections manager at the Lehigh County Historical Society (PA) and curator of both Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial (VA) and the George Washington Memorial Parkway (VA). She has also worked at Clara Barton National Historic Site (MD), Gettysburg National Military Park (PA) and Stones River National Battlefield (TN).
Jim Beley lives in Columbus Montana and is a Montana native whose ancestors arrived in Livingston in 1889. He was born in Bozeman, attended schools in Billings, and spent 10 summers on a ranch near Wibaux, Montana. He is a graduate of MSU-Billings and also attended San Jose State University and Northern Arizona University.
Jim has always had an interest in both biology and historical items. He currently collects beetles from the Crazy Mountains near Big Timber, vintage wind generators from the 1930s and 1940s, antique pendulum clocks, early farm radios, and antique vehicles. He has had Ford Model A's for nearly 50 years and more recently has become interested in Yellowstone Park touring vehicles made from 1917 to 1925.
Jim is honored to serve on the MAM board and enjoys visiting museum on his adventures across Montana, often traveling in a 1929 Ford woodie station wagon. Jim is happy to provide expertise to Montana museums about driving or preserving antique automobiles. He is especially interested in helping museum managers determine how to create interesting displays of their old vehicles as well as how to properly store them.
Jim has always had an interest in both biology and historical items. He currently collects beetles from the Crazy Mountains near Big Timber, vintage wind generators from the 1930s and 1940s, antique pendulum clocks, early farm radios, and antique vehicles. He has had Ford Model A's for nearly 50 years and more recently has become interested in Yellowstone Park touring vehicles made from 1917 to 1925.
Jim is honored to serve on the MAM board and enjoys visiting museum on his adventures across Montana, often traveling in a 1929 Ford woodie station wagon. Jim is happy to provide expertise to Montana museums about driving or preserving antique automobiles. He is especially interested in helping museum managers determine how to create interesting displays of their old vehicles as well as how to properly store them.
Tracy L. Livingston
Exe. Director / Board President
Museum of Women's History
2824 3rd Avenue North
Billings, MT 59102
mowh@imt.net
livtleah1@hotmail.com
406.248.2015 (w)
406.696.9647 (c)
Exe. Director / Board President
Museum of Women's History
2824 3rd Avenue North
Billings, MT 59102
mowh@imt.net
livtleah1@hotmail.com
406.248.2015 (w)
406.696.9647 (c)
Tracy L. Livingston is the Executive Director and Board President of the Museum of Women’s History (MOWH), Billings, MT. She is currently serving on the board of the Museums Association of Montana (MAM). Tracy has an A.A.S., a B.A. in Anthropology, and is a Master’s Candidate in Anthropology through Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Tracy has worked and/or volunteered for several museums and libraries in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, including Buffalo Bill Historical Center- McCracken Research Library and Registration, Cody, WY; Billings Curation Center, DOI/Bureau of Land Management, Billings, MT; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library-Wyoming Room and Trail End State Historical Site, Sheridan, WY.
Born and raised in Sheridan Wyoming, Tracy is from a long line of Steam and Diesel Railroaders and Kansas Homesteaders. Her professional career includes experience ranging from Research Librarian to Database Manager, but always returning to History and Anthropology. Some of Tracy’s other interests include photography, genealogy, business marketing through social media, and serving as a Yellowstone County Master Gardener through MSU-Bozeman, Yellowstone County Extension Service. She is looking forward to volunteering with The Salvation Army/Americorps Vista on a project titled Middle Ground: A Center for Sustainable Communities. Tracy is currently serving on the Government Relations Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter.
Born and raised in Sheridan Wyoming, Tracy is from a long line of Steam and Diesel Railroaders and Kansas Homesteaders. Her professional career includes experience ranging from Research Librarian to Database Manager, but always returning to History and Anthropology. Some of Tracy’s other interests include photography, genealogy, business marketing through social media, and serving as a Yellowstone County Master Gardener through MSU-Bozeman, Yellowstone County Extension Service. She is looking forward to volunteering with The Salvation Army/Americorps Vista on a project titled Middle Ground: A Center for Sustainable Communities. Tracy is currently serving on the Government Relations Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter.
Paul Shea
Director, Yellowstone Gateway Museum
118 W. Chinook
Livingston, MT 59047
406-222-4184
museum@imt.net
www.livingstonmuseums.org
Director, Yellowstone Gateway Museum
118 W. Chinook
Livingston, MT 59047
406-222-4184
museum@imt.net
www.livingstonmuseums.org
Paul Shea has lived and worked in and around Yellowstone National Park since 1979. Elected as President of the West Yellowstone Historical Society in 1993, he became involved in the collection and interpretation of the history of West Yellowstone and surrounding area. In 1998, with the founding of the Yellowstone Historic Center, in West Yellowstone, to oversee the restoration and preservation of the Oregon Short Line Terminus Historic District, and development of a new museum, Paul was hired as Executive Director. He served in that capacity until 2002. Paul served as the curator for the Yellowstone Historic Center and its museum from 2002 through 2008. Paul moved to Livingston, Montana in 2009, and is now the Director of the Yellowstone Gateway Museum of Park County.
Affiliations:
- Museums Association of Montana, 2000-2008, 2011- President, 2004-2008,
- Member, Gallatin County Historic Preservation Advisory Board, 2001-2004
- Member, West Yellowstone Economic Advisory Board, 2003-2007
- Member, West Yellowstone Parks Advisory Board, helped write Towns’ eight park master plan
Publications:
- National Park Service, Cultural Resource Magazine, November 1999, Union Pacific Railroad Dining Lodges and Cafeterias for the National Parks
- Arcadia Publications, August 2009, Images of America: West Yellowstone, Montana
Affiliations:
- Museums Association of Montana, 2000-2008, 2011- President, 2004-2008,
- Member, Gallatin County Historic Preservation Advisory Board, 2001-2004
- Member, West Yellowstone Economic Advisory Board, 2003-2007
- Member, West Yellowstone Parks Advisory Board, helped write Towns’ eight park master plan
Publications:
- National Park Service, Cultural Resource Magazine, November 1999, Union Pacific Railroad Dining Lodges and Cafeterias for the National Parks
- Arcadia Publications, August 2009, Images of America: West Yellowstone, Montana