MOR presents Brews of the Rockies!, GUITAR-centric activities & more
There’s a full calendar at the Museum of the Rockies as Southwest Montana works its way through the sunny season. Here’s a look at some upcoming events at your neighborhood museum.
Cheers to the return of MOR’s summer Hops & History series! Now in its fifth year, Hops & History supports the museum’s adjacent 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.
The next edition will take place Tuesday, June 26th from 5:30–7:30pm. Brews of the Rockies! will feature selections from MAP Brewing Co. Event guests will explore the challenges and triumphs of the brewers in the Rocky Mountain region from New Mexico to Arizona to Montana and Alberta. Climate, access to ingredients and the wild fluctuations in population are all part of the story of acquiring a cold one in early days of living in the Rockies.
Looking ahead, The New Breed: American Brewing Since 1978 with Bozeman Brewing Co. is set for July 31st, followed by the 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.
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. Hazel Hunkins of Billings: Protesting at the White House, 1917–19 with Western Heritage Center Director Kevin Kooistra is next up on Thursday, June 28th at 6pm. The lecture will be held in Hager Auditorium and is open to the public.
Denied the opportunity to work in a local chemistry lab because of her gender, Billings native Hazel Hunkins promptly joined the national fight for women’s suffrage. In his presentation, Koostra will share the story of this gritty woman who remained undeterred even after national resentment led to arrest and recrimination for Hunkins and her fellow protestors.
Also at the Museum, a brand new exhibit for summer! GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World is now open. 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.
Dig a little deeper with the GUITAR: An Evening with an Expert series. Meet some of the experts, collectors, and luthiers that have made Bozeman’s guitar industry what it is today. Hear their stories, learn about the nuances that make each guitar unique, and listen to their handmade guitars. After the auditorium presentation, enjoy light appetizers in the Main Lobby and explore the GUITAR exhibition.
The next edition will take place Monday, June 18th with Don Ruffato and Robi Johns of Gibson Acoustic Guitars. Looking to next month, Daniel Roberts of Daniel Roberts Stringworks stops by on Monday, July 2nd at 6pm. These events are $8 for members and $12 for non-members. Price includes admission to the GUITAR exhibition and light appetizers. Tickets are limited.
Finally, in conjunction with the exhibit, GUITAR: Music Mondays take over Bair Plaza every week from noon–1:30pm. In the music industry, Bozeman is world renowned for its acoustic guitars. From the Gibson Guitar factory to individual guitar craftsman, guitars made in Bozeman are played by famous musicians around the world. Celebrate Montana’s guitar builders and local musicians in this weekly event for all ages, all summer long.
Each Music Monday will feature local performers strumming their guitars on the Plaza. Bring your lunch or buy one from the Fork in the Road Food Truck and soak in the music from a variety of excellent Bozeman performers.
Note: In the case of inclement weather, these performances will take place in the Hager Auditorium with space for lunch available in the Lower Lobby. Food and drinks are not allowed in the auditorium.
For more information about these events and exhibits, visit www.museumoftherockies.org or call (406) 994-5257. •