History of the Museum

The mission of the Yellowstone Gateway Museum is to build community, connection and inspiration by sharing stories of Park County Montana's cultural and natural history through accessible collections and programs.  

A group of interested citizens, led by Doris and Bill Whithorn, founded the Park County Museum in 1977.  Community members and Park County purchased the historic North Side School, built in 1907, to house the museum, now known as the Yellowstone Gateway Museum of Park County.

Collections

The museum houses and preserves more than 50,000 items, including objects, photographs, manuscripts, books, audio-visual materials, and oral histories.  Collection items date from over 12,000 years ago to present. Go to “Collections”

Exhibits

Museum staff and volunteers interpret the fascinating history of Park County and its connection to Yellowstone National Park.  Four exhibit halls feature permanent themes: Native Cultures, Yellowstone, Pioneers, and Transportation. Halls and landings feature permanent and changing exhibits, including outdoor displays.  Go To “Exhibits”

Research Center

Archives: county voting records, 1887 – 1940; City of Livingston business registers; the Polk Directories; and index of names that appeared in Park County newspapers, Doris Whithorn Curator Collection, Park County Family History Collection, and more.  Go To “Archive Collection Finding Aids”

Photo Archives: more than 12,000 photos pertaining to Park County history; the Bill and Doris Whithorn Collection is available to view online. Go To “Whithorn Collection”                

Research Library: more than 2,500 books and periodicals of Montana, Yellowstone, and western history, including a Rare Book Collection. Vertical files. This is a non-circulating library but most materials can be photocopied. Go to “Research Center”

Education and Outreach

The museum welcomes student and teacher groups and provides tours, programs, and teaching materials to use at the museum or in the classroom. Staff and volunteers have successfully collaborated with area schools in the development of Indian Education and other programming. A Speaker Series offers family programming in the winter and/or spring.  Go To “Calendar”

Volunteers

Would you like to help with any of our projects? Go to “Become a Volunteer”