MOR hosts opening of new GUITAR exhibit, return of Hops & History
There’s a full calendar at the Museum of the Rockies as Southwest Montana is finally entering its sunny season. Here’s a look at some upcoming events at your neighborhood museum.
MOR is pleased to host the Extreme History Project Lecture Series, encouraging public understanding of the way our history has shaped our present. Speakers take a fresh look at interesting historical topics. The Story Cattle Drive with John Russell is next up on Thursday, May 17th at 6pm. This lecture will be held in Hager Auditorium and is open to the public.
Nelson Story’s prominence in Bozeman and Southwest Montana emanated from his historic 1866 cattle drive from Texas to the Yellowstone Valley. Russell will discuss the drive and how Story and his men overcame opposition from Kansas Jayhawkers, the U.S. Army, and the Sioux Nation to bring 1,000 head of longhorns into Montana territory.
Cheers to the return of MOR’s summer Hops & History series! Now in its fifth year, Hops & History supports the museum’s Living History Farm. Every month during the summer season, Hops & History brings a lively audience of adults to the farm by pairing the Gallatin Valley’s brewing past with beer tastings from local breweries.
In 2018, enjoy a refreshing twist on each evening’s lecture. Led by MOR’s Curator of History, Michael Fox, this year’s programs will be filled with brewing history trivia. Mixed into the talks, participants can answer trivia questions to win prizes from the featured brewery of the month. Bring your competitive edge and sense of humor to this year’s exciting program series.
The first edition is set for Tuesday, May 29th from 5:30–7:30pm. Early American Brewers & Brews will feature selections from Madison River Brewing Co. Event guests will discover the early history of brewing in the United States from the colonial era through the Civil War. Did you know that Philadelphia was America’s first brewing capitol?
Looking ahead, Brews of the Rockies! with MAP Brewing is set for June 26th, followed by The New Breed: American Brewing Since 1978 with Bozeman Brewing Co. on July 31st and a Hops & History: Season Celebration on August 28th.
Admission for the monthly tasting presentations is $8, plus a $2 souvenir mug charge for each participant’s first event – reuse your mug! Admission for the closing celebration is $15, including a souvenir tasting glass and suds. Must be 21+ to attend ALL Hops & History events.
Prior to the first event in the trivia-themed series, a Hops & History: Trivia Brew Party will be held at Montana Ale Works on Tuesday, May 22nd from 6–8pm. The evening is $40 per person including beer tasting and small plate pairings. This event is only for those 21+.
With delicious small-plate pairings prepared by Chef Aaron Brittingham and tasty brews from Bridger Brewing, this evening will feature a casual trivia game with Fox. Learn something new about brewing while you compete with friends and the beer-loving community for exciting prizes, all in support of MOR’s Living History Farm! With food and service donated by Montana Ale Works and all beer donated by Bridger Brewing, proceeds benefit the Living History Farm at Museum of the Rockies.
In 1989, the Tinsley House was relocated to Museum of the Rockies, and the history of Montana’s homesteading era was recreated at MOR’s Living History Farm, opening for the summer season on Saturday, May 26th. Skilled costumed interpreters will take you back in time as they cook over a wood-burning stove, demonstrate cooking skills and recipes from the 1890s, tend to the Heirloom Garden, and forge iron in the blacksmith’s shop. Take time this summer to enjoy the beautiful sights of the garden, the smells of home cooking, and the history of a time gone by that lives on today. The Living History Farm is FREE and open to the public.
Finally, a brand new MOR exhibit for summer! GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World opens in the Museum on Saturday, May 26th following a members-only preview the night prior. Explore the history of the world’s most recognized musical instrument. Experience diverse genres of music and discover the science of pitch and tone. Crossing over cultural boundaries, the guitar has made a significant impact on a wide variety of groups from gypsies to cowboys to teenage rebels. GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World is included with Museum admission.
For more information about these events and exhibits, visit www.museumoftherockies.org or call (406) 994-5257. •
