Featured Article:
Western Heritage Center
May 27, 2021
by Kevin Kooistra, Executive Director
The Western Heritage Center (WHC) is pleased to announce it has received a $12,500 Challenge donation from Stockman Bank in support of the Center’s 50th Anniversary Landscaping Project. Stockman will match donations up to a total of $12,500.
Through its exhibits, walking tours, traveling displays and historic artifacts, WHC continues to give our community a deeper understanding and appreciation of the people, places and historical events of south-central and southeastern Montana,” stated Bill Coffee, Stockman Bank CEO. “As Montana’s premier community bank, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve. We congratulate the Center on its 50 years of service and are proud to support their continued dedication in preserving and sharing our regional history.”
The Stockman Challenge gift will help WHC meet its fundraising goal for its 50th Anniversary Landscaping Project.
2021 marks not only the 50th Anniversary of the Western Heritage Center, but also the 120th Anniversary of our home base, the historical Parmly Billings Library,” said Kevin Kooistra, Executive Director. “We feel this is the right time to make much needed landscaping improvements to revitalize and celebrate the beauty of this historical building and all of the history it holds.”
The Landscape Project targets the west side and front of the Center with new, decorative planters, walkways, and 4 historical interpretive panels. Land Design, Inc. (Stacey Robinson, Principal) provided the initial consultation and design. The project will revitalize the museum grounds on the corner of Montana Avenue and North 29th. Plans are to break ground in early summer of 2021.
How to Donate
Stockman Bank will match donations, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $12,500 through July 31, 2021. Matching contributions can be made via mail or by phone. To have a gift matched, simply make a donation between now and July 31 online at www.ywhc.org or call the Western Heritage office (406) 256-6809. Gifts can also be mailed to Western Heritage Center, 2822 Montana Avenue, Billings, MT 59101. Be sure to indicate your gift is for the 50th Anniversary Landscaping Project.
About Stockman Bank
Stockman Bank is Montana’s largest, family-owned, community bank, with 36 full-service locations across the state. Founded in 1953, Stockman is uniquely focused on Montana, with comprehensive banking products and services, along with state-of-the-art online and mobile banking, wealth management and insurance services. To learn more, visit www.stockmanbank.com.
About Western Heritage Center
Incorporated in 1971, the Western Heritage Center is one of six Montana museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Center strives to incorporate original research into all its exhibits and programs. As a former affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, we adhere to national exhibit and archival standards. The museum is located at 2822 Montana Avenue in downtown Billings and housed in the Parmly Billings Memorial Library building (built in 1901). The building, our home base, is a beautiful Romanesque sandstone structure with twin towers that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To learn more, visit www.ywhc.org.
