Museum unveils new exhibit: Lumberjacks, Tie Hacks and River Pigs

Months in the making, the wholesale renovation of the Northwest Montana History Museum's "timber room" will be unveiled at a free public open house 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18.  

In one of the biggest undertakings since the opening of the Kalispell: Montana's Eden exhibit, the museum began revamping its first and oldest permanent exhibit, which opened in 2003, in the spring.  

The new exhibit titled Lumberjacks, Tie Hacks and River Pigs, is a model train diorama featuring the historic Somers tie plant and other past and present Flathead Valley landmarks. The diorama was created by volunteers, vendors from around the valley and students from Kalispell Public Schools. Columbia Falls muralist Clark Heyler painted the backdrop.

A new timeline of events in the history of the Northwest Montana timber industry brings our understanding up to date and includes new, innovative wood products made here.

Volunteers also took a deep dive into the museum's collection to create displays of historic tools, clothing, and even what grub was served in a logging camp.

The museum's rich photographic archive yielded dozens of images showing the various methods of logging over 150 years, in places that many Flathead Valley residents know well. These were enlarged, printed, and mounted in the windows and along the walls.

For the Oct. 18 open house, adults wearing flannel will receive a free pint glass while supplies last. Kids can enter a drawing to win a wooden toy train.

The museum is located at 124 2nd Ave. E. For more information call 756-8381 or visit nwmthistory.org