Museum's new 'Rendezvous' exhibit explores past and present

The Northwest Montana History Museum in Kalispell will open a new exhibit titled “Rendezvous” Nov. 20. The exhibition was developed in partnership with the Bad Rock Settlement Museum in Columbia Falls. Bad Rock Museum proprietor and true mountain man Stu Sorensen has lent numerous artifacts from his collection as well as his expertise to this exhibition.

“Rendezvous” is French in origin meaning a prearranged time and place to meet. During the fur trapping heyday of 1825 to 1840, a rendezvous was an annual summer gathering, weeks long for mountain men, Indians and traders. Furs were sold and supplies bought for the following trapping season.

In reality, rendezvous meant and still means much more. Today, hearty mountain men and women take inspiration from their forefathers, competing in games and trials of skill to test their mettle against the frontier.

The “Rendezvous” exhibit explores and celebrates these gatherings past and present. This one-of-a-kind display will be on exhibit until spring of 2020.

A grand opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. At 6 p.m. Sorensen will demonstrate some finely-honed trapper skills such as using flint to make a fire and loading a black powder musket, all while wearing a mountain man ensemble. Light refreshments will be served, including some that have been specially selected to fit the evening’s theme — tea, jerky and sourdough. This is a family-friendly event and free to attend; all are invited to the “rendezvous” at the museum.

The Northwest Montana History Museum is located at 124 Second Ave. E.