Upper Swan Valley Historical Society Inc

MUSEUM AND HERITAGE SITEOne of the programs of the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society, Inc. is management of the organization's Museum and Heritage Site established to showcase historical items, artifacts, and exhibits and to archive information and materials. There are no other government, cultural, or historic offices in this small, unique, rural community. The goals to provide preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of the Swan Valley, Montana and to provide educational and research opportunities for public benefit and enjoyment are being continued. During 2022, the organization continued to improve the building and land at the local Museum and Heritage Site, including expansion of the outdoor interpretive exhibits with the addition of the Native American Camp exhibit. Various exhibits and displays of items from early day one-room schoolhouses, fire lookouts, sawmills, hunting and fishing camps, homesteads, and other historic memorabilia were viewed by the estimated 726 visitors who toured the museum during 2022. The Museum's exhibits and displays chronicle the community's settling and the spirit of the homesteading pioneers. The annual August story-telling program theme was the Northern Pacific Railroad Celebration. Story tellers and local historians told tales about the Northern Pacific Railroad's history and the impact of the checkerboard effect on the Swan Valley. Programs and projects for area students included a Home Waters Project that was continued from 2021. The students finalized the project by producing a movie that depicted homestead life in the Swan Vally using John McLean's book "Home WatersX and visits to the museum as primary sources. In addition to maintaining the exhibits and displays in the Museum, plans for the future include continuing to expand the outdoor interpretive exhibits and the Native American Camp exhibit.

FROSTBITE FESTIVALIn December 2022, after a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Upper Swan valley Historical Society, Inc.'s Program Coordinator developed and organized the annual Frostbite Festival and Holiday Bazaar featuring local artists and crafters. During the Frostbite festival, adults and children enjoyed a family-oriented event held at the local elementary school to bring the community together for activities and camaraderie.

Other Program Expenses(from Schedule 0)