Planning

Our Museum and Archives are still physically closed to the public, but we’re working behind the scenes. Many of us are working remotely, coming in occasionally to refresh material, print, or get help with cranky computers.

We are all, in some way or other, being affected by planning for the addition of new museum and public spaces. The planning is narrowing to building, grounds, exhibit and public spaces and collection storage. There is discussion for the remodel and movement of staff in our current building.

And of course early stage planning for packing and moving collections. This includes planning for compact storage, packing materials, refocusing staff duties and objectives—it also involves planning for which artifacts and artworks premier in the new exhibits, which will be included in our new Montana story exhibit.

Drawing by Roberta Jones-Wallace

There is a bit of the deer-in-the-headlights look about some of us as we try to change focus for this exciting and much needed addition. Our collections are agitating—some wanting to be left alone, other items anxious to be put on display. For these, much like the current phase in the state’s return to work protocol, items are assessed and ear marked for conservation, or matting and framing, or marked "at risk," too fragile to exhibit, and many other possibilities.

We may not be open physically, but we are working harder than ever to preserve, protect, and plan for the future.