05/21/2026
From the genius of Joe Myers, Work Study Intern, PHS Class of '26:
The story of the Yellowstone Gateway Museum is a special one. Its current building originally served as the town’s Northside School, which was built in 1907 and closed in 1971. The Park County Museum Association purchased the space in 1976, and moved in on Valentine’s day 1977. The first caretakers, Bill and Doris Whithorn, dedicated much of their later lives to serving what was then called the Park County Museum, going as far as to live in the museum's basement.
On June 1st, 1977, the new building officially opened to the public. Since then, it has undergone many staff and exhibit changes, covering topics from early explorers to ice age archaeology and wolf communication. Today, the Yellowstone Gateway Museum continues to preserve and share stories of our local past. Be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself!
2006.045.0784 – Early view of the building when it was the Northside school
2006.045.0820 – Second grade on the front steps of the Northside School, 1933
2006.045.0813 – “Beginnings – Park County Museum 5/19/1976.” The photograph must have been taken when the museum was preparing to open to the public. None of the outdoor exhibits are installed, and all the trees on the lawn are different.
2006.044.2449 – The YGM’s iconic red caboose was used on the NPRR from 1889-1970. It moved to its current spot in front of the museum in 1977.
2006.044.0525 – Bill and Doris Whithorn, in costume, celebrating their 25th anniversary during Montana's Centennial year.
