Montana
Montana Heritage Center opens in Helena
Politicians, philanthropists and an excited public are celebrating the opening of the Montana Heritage Center, a $107 million project showcasing the state’s history.
During a ceremony Tuesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte called it a “world class facility,” and its historical exhibits and art galleries would not be out of place at major museums in Chicago, San Francisco or New York.
“This accomplishment is remarkable and highlights the generosity and the love that Montanans have for Montana,” Gianforte said.
Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was the result of decades of work from many Montanans who wanted to help preserve the state’s history. A 70,000-square-foot addition was added to the building and an existing 90,000 square foot area was remodeled.
The Homeland Gallery will likely become a destination for visitors to the state capitol, taking them through Montana’s rich history all the way back to the Ice Age. The space has exhibits from the state’s Indigenous peoples, with artifacts and deep explanations of nuanced history.
“If you think about it, 160 years ago, a number of pioneers met in Virginia City to talk about the process of starting to collect and preserve and honor the history of this area, and to be sure, it didn’t start with them, right?” Tim Fox, board president of the Montana Historical Society, said. “Our indigenous peoples were the first humans here, and our history goes back way beyond the discovery of gold, copper or silver.”
As visitors walk through that section, they’re treated to sounds that change as they move through the gallery. There’s interactive exhibits, things to watch and plenty to read. There’s also a smudge room, gardens, paths and gathering areas outside, as well as a cafe and event space.
The Charlie M. Russell Gallery also houses an extensive collection of work from the famed western artist. With low light, some incredible frames and even a sitting area, it is a home for many paintings that had been in storage.
There’s also another rotating gallery that will house additional exhibits. Only about 10% of the total collection is on display, museum officials said.
And in the Homeland Gallery, there’s even a covered wagon, a simulation of going down a Butte mineshaft and an exhibit on where the nuclear missiles in Montana are.
“One of the goals that we’ve had in this gallery is to make sure that there are lots of different stories and lots of different perspectives presented,” Amanda Streeter Trum, head of curatorial with the Montana Historical Society, said. “History is not just told from one group’s point of view. And so we’ve got lots of stories and lots of people represented here, as it should be.”
The final $60 million for constructing the facilities was privately funded. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Norm Asbjornson, and BNSF Railway together contributed more than $40 million, according to a release from the governor’s office.
Gianforte helped fundraise after taking office, he said at the ceremony. He was supportive of the project, but wanted cost overruns to be paid for by private donations.
“I called every major business in the state … telling them about our plans and asking them for support,” Gianforte said. “Many of you got those calls and are here today.”
Hundreds of people filled the main atrium of the building for the ceremony and then were able to wander the facility after.
Gianforte also announced about $3.5 million had been donated toward an endowment to support Montana students getting to experience the museum. The goal, Gianforte said, is that every student in the state gets a tour the year they study the state’s history.
The target for the endowment is $10 million.
Some facilities and parts of the center are still under construction and a full grand opening is planned for next summer.
“I hope that we can be a space where we can talk about difficult things and present challenging topics in addition to the fun, joyous topics as well,” Streeter Trum said.
The actor and his wife, Adelfa Marr, share their favorite spots in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens that serve cozy, cultured vibes with just the right amount of social.
If you were a fan of NBC’s Good Girls, you likely spent at least a few minutes being obsessed over Manny Montana and his character Rio. The cult following that spawned from his on-screen chemistry with Beth Boland’s character lit Twitter ablaze and launched him as a memeafied heartthrob. But the real love story is the one shared with his wife, Adelfa Marr. She’s an author, healer, and scene-stealer in her own right (she even made a cameo on Good Girls). The couple keeps a low-key life in Brooklyn, radiating mutual respect and admiration. Marr, originally from Brooklyn and Montana, a native of Long Beach, California, keeps a distinct rhythm in the city, fitting to their style. This week, Adelfa, along with Manny, shares their favorite spots to retreat from crowds and soak up a more cultured, comfy NYC.
Okayplayer: When you want to be “outside” without being OUTSIDE, where do you go in NYC?
Adelfa Marr and Manny Montana: I must note that I read this question aloud and we both answered “Bouquet!” simultaneously. Bouquet feels like home away from home. The food is always top tier — think elevated comfort food — and the natural wine is *chef’s kiss*. Eric, the owner, and Herold, the chef, have really created something special there, so whenever we want to go out, especially in this cold, it’s gotta be worth it. Bouquet never lets us down.
Where do you go when you want to be around people, but not overwhelmed by crowds?
A big LOL is that we said Bouquet for this, too! Our other go-tos are usually a film (and Q&As) at the Angelika or comedy shows. We’re big Comedy Cellar fans, and while trying to secure a ticket always feels like a mission, but when accomplished, it’s a very worthwhile time.
Our other selfish favorite is our own Pickles Book Club. We meet monthly, and the crowd is amazing, fun, smart, and funny as hell. It’s cup-filling without being overwhelming.
What does your perfect NYC day look like, from morning to night?
Our perfect day would be any NY summer day. We love being outside when outside is playing nice! We’ve got to start the day with some breakfast from Curley’s Bagels in Queens, head over to Astoria Park to people-watch and enjoy the day, and maybe get a workout in. Then, head over to the city for a Strand trip cause we’re always searching for new books for Pickles Book Club. Finishing off at a sushi restaurant would be ideal.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 25, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 25 drawing
23-29-31-37-45, Lucky Ball: 16
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Dec. 25 drawing
03-06-08-12, Bonus: 13
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
The Beacon’s 2025 photographic landscape stretched from the stark expanses of the Blackfeet Nation, to the marbled halls of the state Capitol, across the vast waters of Flathead Lake, to the tops of Glacier’s highest peaks, and onto protester-filled streets. The year delivered its share of turbulence in both politics and nature. Montana’s dynamic range reinforces photography is as much an art of capturing moments as it is an exercise in distillation. Of 50,000+ presses of the shutter this year, only about 5,000 of the resultant images made the cut for toning, captioning and filing into the archives. Those 5,000 frames were further culled to less than 50 for the end-of-year gallery.
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