It’s a brand new year as Museum of the Rockies hits the ground running with several engaging special events for its members and the greater community.
As part of the Rosenberry-Donohue Lectures on the American West, Montana State University professor Michael Reidy fronts an evening presentation entitled “A Vertical History of the West: Devils Tower, Bear Lodge, Empire & the Rise of American Climbing.” The event will be held at 5:30pm Thursday, January 15th, in Hager Auditorium. Non-members pay a $5 admission.
Established in 1906 as our first National Monument, Devils Tower is a geological wonder. Its human history can tell us a lot about our fascination with seemingly mystical landscapes, our initial contemplation of deep time, and our modern ideas of wilderness. It also reveals a more hidden history of nationalism, empire, and Indigenous dispossession of land.
Reidy will discuss the surprising history of climbing at Devils Tower National Monument, from its initial first ascent through its more recent explosion in popularity. This lecture will reveal how this remarkable monument represents the history of the rise of American climbing more broadly, but also how Devils Tower can stand in for many other contested vertical geographies in the West, where more than just climbers are on the rise.
Following on Friday, January 23rd, theatrical storyteller Kellen Trenal presents “Stories of Coyote, The Trickster” at 5:30pm in Hager Auditorium. Free and open to the public.
Beginning this month, MOR will introduce native speakers and educators who will generously share their insights and knowledge, creating a welcoming atmosphere of gathering, learning and active engagement within the community. The niimiipuu (Nez Perce) people purposefully maintain their storytelling traditions, passing down lessons on history, tribal values and performance art that inspire and connect us all. Trenal, a Niimiipuu storyteller and performer, will share his award-winning stories.
Late this month, MOR presents new event “Cosmos & Cosmos” on Friday, January 30th. The event is open to all ages with adult beverages available to those 21+. Cosmopolitan cocktails, cash bar, light bites, and classic rock set against dazzling Taylor Planetarium shows. Members are encouraged to bring a friend along to show off their neighborhood museum.
Also on display at MOR is exhibit Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall. Included with Museum admission or membership. The exhibit will be on view through Jan. 18th. And coming in the new year – FROGS: A Chorus of Colors opens Feb. 6th. Stay tuned for details.
MOR is open from 9am–5pm daily. For more information about featured exhibits, membership details as well as these and other events, visit www.museumoftherockies.org. •
