The Western Heritage Center, in order to promote an appreciation of history and culture, tells the stories of the Northern High Plains centered on the Yellowstone River Valley. As a program of the WHC, the American Indian Tribal Histories Project is dedicated to preserving and maintaining American Indian tribal histories and cultures.

Description:
The Western Heritage Center provides educational experiences that further enhance its mission. An important component of the museum is the American Indian Tribal Histories Project.
An accredited museum that provides long-term exhibits with interactive components, changing galleries,and outreach programs for visitors of all ages, the Center cares for 6000+ photos, over 14,000 artifacts and an extensive archival collection that illustrates and documents the history of the Yellowstone River Valley.

The Western Heritage Center is committed to providing learning opportunities for our diverse audiences, which encompass all ages groups, income, and ethnic groups. All exhibits and educational programs are designed to be interdisciplinary and provide visitors with multiple learning and sensory opportunities.

History:
Established in 1971, the Western Heritage Center offers the public a wide variety of long-term and short-term exhibits, educational programs for children and adults, and outreach programs.

The museum is located in Billings' historic downtown, in the Parmly Billings Memorial Library building, a Richardsonian Romanesque structure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 30+ years, the Western Heritage Center has moved from a museum reliant on the short-term loan of artifacts, to the central repository for artifacts representative of Yellowstone River valley history.

In 1993, the museum received accreditation by the American Association of Museums. The Western Heritage Center is one of only six AAM accredited museums in Montana. In 2001, the Center became Montana's first Smithsonian Institution Affiliate.

The museum is open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesdays through Saturdays, except for holidays. Adults = $3; Seniors (55+) and students = $2; members and children under 12 = free. The building is handicapped accessible and a wheelchair is available for use by guests. The Center is located at 2822 Montana Avenue in Billings, Montana and the museum's website is www.ywhc.org. Visitors may contact the museum by phone (406-256-6809) or email (jdial@ywhc.org).

Contact people:

Joyce Jensen, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Kevin Kooistra-Manning, Director of Museum Programs, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (406) 256-6850

Address:

2822 Montana Avenue Billings, MT 59101 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.ywhc.org

Directions:

The Western Heritage Center is located in the former Parmly Billings Memorial Library building (corner of Montana Avenue and North 29th Street).   Nearest Bus Stop: Federal Bldg. Parking Lot (downtown), 5 minute walk