Current Exhibits

Parading through History: The Apsaalooke Nation
Through June 1, 2013

ParadingThrough History: the Apsaalooke Nation, is a chronological journey that leads the visitor through the history and culture of the Crow tribe. Prominent and historical Crow people represent different time periods. The traveling exhibit explores the impact of outside forces on Crow culture. For example, with the onset of federally mandated Indian reservations, Crow leaders had the insight to merge the knowledge of recently educated young adults with the traditional wisdom and heritage of the elders, thereby successfully retaining their tribal structures and culture.

 Native Warriors
Through June 1, 2013

Western Artists of America Summer Miniature Show
July 13 through August 31, 2013

Artists Reception: July 13 5-8 pm. Open to the public.

Please join us as we unveil the latest works from members of the Western Artists of America. The exhibit features paintings from size 16"x20" and down, and several sculptures. Each artist selected one piece that is part of a silent auction for opening night only. A number of WAA members showing work will be present at a reception/auction to talk about their work or art topics in general.

The Western Artists of America is an organization formed for the purpose of promoting the talents of professional fine artists specializing in the genre of Cowboy, Indian, Pioneers, Cattle and Horse subjects with backgrounds appropriate to the subject matter, which includes: Landscapes, Still Life and Wildlife Subjects. The primary purpose of WAA is to always first and foremost promote its artists.

Echoes of Eastern Montana: Stories from an Open Country
Through December 31, 2013

This interactive exhibit will share stories of the people of the Yellowstone River Valley and Northern High Plains. Visitors can watch interviews, listen to amazing stories, read personal diaries, peruse family photo albums, copy favorite recipes, learn new Crow and Northern Cheyenne words, play interactive games, and hear local music.

People in communities as diverse as Wibaux, Colstrip, Laurel, Hardin, Forsyth, Harlowton and Billings tell compelling stories of sacrifice and struggle and offer lessons about leadership, home, and family. Come laugh at outrageous tales and discover the changing world of Eastern Montana.

Billings: The Railroads Shape our Town

Billings Montana is a railroad town. Since its inception in 1882, the history and share pf the town have been influenced by the railroads. Throughout Billings is evidence of the railroad's impact in planning, designing, and promiting the settlement of the region. This exhibit and short film illustrate how we can still see the impact of the railroad in Billings.

Community Gallery

More information coming soon!

Dude Ranch Lobby

The museum’s lower gallery has been made over to replicate the lobby of a 1930s dude ranch lodge.  Rustic western furniture, inspired by the designs of Thomas Molesworth, and a stone fireplace, provide the ideal setting to display paintings by James Kenneth Ralston, a regional artist inspired by the great stories of the West.

 

J.K. Ralston: History on Canvas

James Kenneth (J.K.) Ralston (1896-1987) was a noted western artist who lived in Billings for many years.  In 1946, Ralston and his son built a log cabin to serve as the artist’s studio.  In 2005, the cabin was moved to the Western Heritage Center and the cabin’s interior was restored to reflect his working environment.  Ralston’s oil paintings and sketchbooks include scenes depicting his early years growing up on ranches and riding the range in Montana.  He relied on family heirlooms and collected artifacts to help him create accurate depictions of famous western events.  The Western Heritage Center merged with the J.K. Ralston Studio and now houses a significant repository of the famed artist’s letters, memorabilia and artwork. 

In Voice of the Curlew (J.K. Ralston Studio, Inc.:1986) Ralston is quoted as saying: 
 
"In looking back over the years, I must say the art game has been good to me.  It has been rewarding far beyond anything I ever dreamed of as a small boy living on ranch along the Missouri River.  Art was always the way I found to express myself and of the things that have meant so much to me and to my people."

I’m glad that the dice was so rolled out that to be a cowboy I was born.  I saw the curtain rung down on the last of the old time range business in Montana.  Like a lot of others, I hated to see it go.  Now it is history and I am very, very glad that I lived in time and to see and be part of it.  

I have been drawing pictures as far back as I can remember and I have made it my life’s work to try and make the old west live on canvas."
 
Photo: Billings Mayor Willard Fraser confers with James Kenneth Ralston in Ralston’s studio cabin, 1960s.  The cabin is now located on the grounds of the Western Heritage Center.

American Indian Tribal Histories Project

The permanent American Indian Tribal Histories Project Exhibit provides visitors with an overview of Montana’s Native American tribes through maps, tribal flags and an explanation of their symbols, Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribal member oral histories and a chronology of the American Indian Tribal Histories Project, whose mission is to preserve and maintain American Indian tribal histories and culture.