The Livingston Depot Museum opens for the summer season with “Wondrous West: Art, Tourism & National Pride” from curator and historian Lee Silliman. The exhibition of vintage imagery from Silliman’s print collection features advertising campaigns from railroads and travel bureaus spanning nearly a century of America’s romance with Western tourism. The exhibit is now open.
The vast and dramatic landscapes of the Rocky Mountain West came to symbolize the American identity. Presented as its counterpoint to the ancient and richly cultured past of Europe, Americans could point to their unique, diverse and beautiful national parks as emblematic of the country’s greatness. Vintage travel books, railroad brochures, illustrated newspapers, and more than encouraged a nation to “See America First.” Even as rail travel gave way to automobiles, readers were invited to come see what the American West has to offer.
‘Wondrous West’ will be on display at the Depot Museum through September 7th.
Curator Lee Silliman will offer a unique presentation entitled, “Searching for the Golden West: A History of Western Tourism” on Thursday, June 6th at 5pm with a reception to follow from 6–8pm at the Depot. Both are free and open to the public.
The popular ongoing main exhibit “Rails Across the Rockies: A Century of People & Places” introduces visitors to the rich history of railroading in Montana. It gives special attention to the Northern Pacific and its central role in the opening of Yellowstone, America’s first national park, through Livingston beginning in the 1880s.
In addition to its main and special exhibit, the museum also presents “Remarkable Migrations,” an adaptation of the groundbreaking exhibit by the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. The exhibit uses art, science and multimedia to delve into the challenges and triumphs of herds as they cross geographic, cultural, ecological and political boundaries.
Operated by the Livingston Depot Foundation and located at 200 West Park, the Depot is open Monday through Saturday from 10am–5pm. There is a nominal admission, and group visits are also welcome by special arrangement. Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.livingstondepot.org. •
