Yellowstone wolves, architecture of Fred Willson & two NEW MOR exhibits
Mindbender Mansion opens on Saturday, February 16th, 2019
A destination for the Gallatin Valley’s curious minds, the Museum of the Rockies is never in short supply of public events to accompany its many exhibits (including two new additions this month). Here’s a look at some upcoming happenings at your neighborhood museum.
The next edition of this season’s Science Inquiry Lecture Series, “Yellowstone Wolves: Science & Discovery in the World’s First National Park” with Dr. Douglas Smith, will take place Wednesday, February 13th in Hager Auditorium at 7pm. This presentation is open to the public.
What have scientists learned from the first 25 years of wolf restoration in Yellowstone National Park? Dr. Smith, Senior Wildlife Biologist in Yellowstone, will discuss wolf population dynamics, impacts on elk and bison, wolf hunting and ecosystem impacts, and will offer philosophical ideas about the future of wolves in modern society.
At each Science Inquiry Lecture, join MOR and the Gallatin Valley Friends of the Sciences to explore innovative science topics, their latest developments, and their relevance to society through speaker presentations followed by an engaging Q&A session.
MOR has supported the Extreme History Project Lecture Series since 2012 with the goal to encourage public understanding of the way our history has shaped our present. Speakers take a fresh look at interesting historical topics. “National Park Architecture and Fred Willson” with Richard Brown is next up on Thursday, February 21st at 6pm. The lecture will be held in Hager Auditorium and is open to the public.
Bozeman’s own architect Fred Willson (1877-1956) believed that “architecture was a form of public service; to make the things of daily life beautiful.” During his career, he did just that. His architectural vocabulary stretched from Art Deco, to Mediterranean revival, and to National Park Rustic Architecture – which became known simply as ‘Parkitecture.’ This unique architectural style, perhaps for the first time in the history of American architecture, became an accessory to nature. This presentation explores the origin of Parkitecture and Fred Willson’s involvement.
New for 2019, MOR and the Extreme History Project further commit to making history relevant by connecting the lectures to museum collections. Before and after each lecture, discover objects from museum collections that relate to these engaging talks. Museum staff will answer questions and help us explore how museum collections preserve the past and inform our future.
Looking ahead, Museum of the Rockies’ popular series Brews & the Big Sky: Montana Made, Montana Brewed continues with Big Teams in the Big Sky featuring Great Northern Brewing Company and the Mint Cafe on Tuesday, February 26th from 5:30–7:30pm. There is a $12 admission including beer tasting, gallery talks, exhibits, and light appetizers for those 21 and older.
Before the advent of the tractor, farmers and ranchers in Big Sky country relied on true horsepower to till the soil and harvest crops. Join for a discussion of how humans and their animals worked together to make the northern plains one of the world’s greatest grain and hay producing regions.
Additional Brews evenings this season will include Silver City to the Copper Kingdom with Muddy Creek Brewery and Pizza Campania on March 26th, followed by Crow Fair with Thirsty Street Brewing Co. and the Mint Cafe closing out the series on April 30th.
Also coming this month, two new exhibits! Opening Saturday, February 9th, Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Children’s Book Illustration will explore the history of children’s books from the turn of the century pen and ink Mother Goose art of Sarah Noble Ives, to the most popular works of today including the digital creations of Mo Willems. Mindbender Mansion opens the following Saturday, February 16th, featuring puzzles, brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem-solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers.
MOR members, please note: a special New Exhibition Reception is set for Friday, February 15th from 5–7pm. Explore Childhood Classics and Mindbender Mansion, then enjoy a preview of new planetarium show “The Sun, Our Living Star.” Cookies and lemonade will be served in the Bair Lobby.
For more information about these events and other Museum exhibits, visit www.museumoftherockies.org or call (406) 994-5257. •
