Montana transportation of yesteryear, dude ranch-based Brews to spur historical curiosities at MOR
A cold-blooded exhibit is now open at Museum of the Rockies to match the wintry elements. The Bozeman space also plays host to regular public events. Here’s a look at some upcoming happenings.
On Monday, February 17th, the Museum will host Montana Shakes! for a free performance of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. The family oriented event begins at 10:30am in Hager Auditorium.
This play emphasizes the value of true friendship, especially the bond that comes from man’s best friend. In a MadLibs style, the audience will help the actors write the play as it goes along. Anything goes with this (adjective) adventure!
The play runs approximately 40 minutes and will be followed by a Q&A between the actors and audience. Montana Shakes! is an elementary outreach program of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
Following Thursday, February 20th, the Extreme History Project Lecture series continues with “The North Coast Limited, Nightcrawler & Skidoo: A Century of Passenger Trains & Transportation in Montana.” Dale Martin will present at 6pm in Hager Auditorium. He is an instructor in MSU’s Department of History & Philosophy and train aficionado.
One hundred years ago, public transportation – almost entirely by rail – reached hundreds of cities, towns and smaller settlements in Montana. At present, only about forty cities and towns in the state have daily scheduled rail, bus or air service for travelers. The presentation will first examine the early twentieth century, when dozens of daily passenger trains reached almost every county in the state, carrying people, express, U.S. Mail, cans of milk and money. There will also be an overview and explanation of the many decades long decline of rail service, and intercity public transportation in general. The lecture will conclude with remarks on the circumstances of public transportation in states, and Canadian provinces, like Montana, with small populations in large areas.
Returning for its first program of 2020, MOR’s Brews & the Big Sky: Montana Made, Montana Brewed continues with Dude Ranches on Tuesday, February 25th from 5:30–7:30pm. The evening will feature suds from Ten Mile Creek Brewery and delicious bites by The Mint Café & Bar. There is a $15 admission including beer tasting, gallery talks, exhibits and light appetizers for those 21 and older.
In 1879, Howard Eaton founded the Custer Trail Ranch near Medora, North Dakota. Inviting friends from back East to visit, Eaton found that guests were willing to pay for a real western experience and soon found that this trade was more lucrative than running cattle. By 1926, dozens of so-called “dude ranches” dotted the western states with a large number surrounding Yellowstone National Park. Learn about Eaton and the adventures of the dudes and dude ranchers and how they brought a new kind of visitor to our region.
Also at MOR, Reptiles: The Beautiful and the Deadly is now open. Reptiles have enduring appeal, and this interactive zoological exhibition will bring you eye to eye with living species from around the world. Deadly snakes, colorful lizards, unusual turtles and rugged crocodilians are exhibited in naturalistic habitats. You can “milk” a viper, learn to speak croc in under five minutes, and test your knowledge with “Turtle Trivia” or “Lizard Wizard.” An experienced zoo professional remains with the exhibit to care for the living collection.
For more information about these events and the Museum exhibits, visit www.museumoftherockies.org. •