Museum of the Beartooths

Museum of the Beartooths Open January through March Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 am - 3 pm and April 3rd through December 29th: Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm.

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. Memorial Day through Labor Day Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm and Saturday 11 am - 3 pm. The Museum of the Beartooths is funded in part by coal severance taxes paid based upon coal mined in Montana and deposited in Montana's cultural and aesthetic projects trust fund.

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths Bob Harsha's Barber Shop sign and cash register. Bob started working f...
03/26/2026

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths

Bob Harsha's Barber Shop sign and cash register. Bob started working for a local barber in 1945. He eventually bought the barber shop and continued to cut hair at his shop on Pike Street until mid-March of 2017. Bob was 96 when he retired and closed up shop.

#2017-16-01 Bob’s Barber Shop sign
#2017-16-02 Bob’s Barber Shop National cash register

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the BeartoothsAfter months of preparation, we are thrilled to share that our collecti...
03/19/2026

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths

After months of preparation, we are thrilled to share that our collections room is ready for the high-density shelving units to be installed! The project success has been made possible from our generous donors, staff and volunteers.

This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of:
John & Marilyn Simmons
Susan Scott Heyneman Foundation
A.J. Jim Movius
Columbus Community Foundation

As the high-density shelving project continues to progress, we are temporarily closed to the public. Research opportunities are available by appointment only at this time. For questions or to inquire about research appointments, please contact us at (406) 322-4588 or visit museumofthebeartooths.com.

Museum of the Beartooths Glancing Back The Columbus Ladies Aid members at Rosebud Lake circa 1920’s. Pictured L-R: Janet...
03/12/2026

Museum of the Beartooths Glancing Back

The Columbus Ladies Aid members at Rosebud Lake circa 1920’s. Pictured L-R: Janet Annin, Anna Frischke, Mrs. James Craig, Susie Griffith and Gertrude Rothwell.

Museum of the Beartooths, Annin Collection #1687

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the BeartoothsMeet MOB Staff member Megan Haak, Museum Assistant. Megan joined the te...
03/05/2026

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths

Meet MOB Staff member Megan Haak, Museum Assistant.

Megan joined the team in September 2025 and is a rockstar in collections! Pictured here she is cataloging an item from the collections room before it is shelved in a temporary location within the museum.

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the BeartoothsMeet MOB Volunteer Bill StockdaleBill began volunteering during the hig...
02/26/2026

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths

Meet MOB Volunteer Bill Stockdale

Bill began volunteering during the high-density shelving project in February 2026. He is giving the collections room a fresh look painting the ceilings, walls and floors. We greatly appreciate Bill volunteering his time and skills to the MOB!

Save the date for the Annual Stillwater Brewfest!Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Still...
02/21/2026

Save the date for the Annual Stillwater Brewfest!

Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Stillwater County Civic Center (north of I-90 in Columbus) for an evening of local breweries, delicious food trucks, and live music—all in support of the Museum of the Beartooths.

VIP and general admission tickets will go on sale in early May. Make plans to enjoy great beer, food, and music while supporting your local museum.

Visit museumofthebeartooths.com for more information or call (406)322-4588.

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the BeartoothsMeet MOB Volunteer Maureen HemphillMaureen began volunteering during th...
02/19/2026

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths

Meet MOB Volunteer Maureen Hemphill

Maureen began volunteering during the high-density shelving project in January 2026. She is keeping real busy sewing inventory labels on textiles in the collections. We greatly appreciate Maureen giving her time and talent to the MOB!

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the BeartoothsMeet MOB Staff member Addi Eaton. Addi joined the team for our high-den...
02/13/2026

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths

Meet MOB Staff member Addi Eaton. Addi joined the team for our high-density shelving project and is assisting with the collections shift. She is also photographer extraordinaire capturing images from our collections for the catalog.

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths Blackfeet moccasins from the 1940's.This artifact is being relocated t...
02/05/2026

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Beartooths

Blackfeet moccasins from the 1940's.

This artifact is being relocated to a new home in our collections high-density shelving units that will be installed this winter. The high-density shelving units project is ongoing. Staff and volunteers are working diligently to move artifacts to allow the collections room to be prepped and painted prior to the shelving install. Stayed tuned more updates are coming!

#2020-31-03 Museum of the Beartooths

The Museum of the Beartooths is temporarily closed January through March as we complete an important behind-the-scenes i...
01/30/2026

The Museum of the Beartooths is temporarily closed January through March as we complete an important behind-the-scenes improvement project.

During this time, we are installing high-density shelving in the Museum Collections Room, a major upgrade that will improve the long-term care, organization, and accessibility of our collections. While the museum will be closed to general visitors, research appointments may be scheduled by appointment only.

This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of:
John & Marilyn Simmons
The Susan Scott Heyneman Foundation
A.J. Jim Movius
The Columbus Foundation

We extend our sincere thanks to our donors for helping strengthen the future of the Museum of the Beartooths!

Updates on reopening and progress will be shared soon.

For questions or to inquire about research appointments, please contact us at (406) 322-4588 or visit museumofthebeartooths.com.

The Museum of the Beartooths will be temporarily closed January through March as we complete an important behind-the-sce...
01/04/2026

The Museum of the Beartooths will be temporarily closed January through March as we complete an important behind-the-scenes improvement project.

During this time, we are installing high-density shelving in the Museum Collections Room, a major upgrade that will improve the long-term care, organization, and accessibility of our collections. While the museum will be closed to general visitors, research appointments may be scheduled by appointment only.

This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of:
John & Marilyn Simmons
The Susan Scott Heyneman Foundation
A.J. Jim Movius
The Columbus Foundation

We extend our sincere thanks to our donors for helping strengthen the future of the Museum of the Beartooths!

Updates on reopening and progress will be shared soon.

For questions or to inquire about research appointments, please contact us at (406) 322-4588 or visit museumofthebeartooths.com.

Getting winter wood for Absarokee in 1913. Men among them: Harry Ellis, Bill Rinehart, Arthur Sylvester and Jim Taylor....
12/31/2025

Getting winter wood for Absarokee in 1913.

Men among them: Harry Ellis, Bill Rinehart, Arthur Sylvester and Jim Taylor.

#1400 Annin Collection. Museum of the Beartooths

Address

Columbus, MT

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+14063224588

Website

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