Collections
The Ravalli County Museum preserves, protects, and interprets the historical and cultural heritage of the Bitterroot Valley and its people through its collections of artifacts and archival materials. These objects reflect the people and traditions that have shaped the region and continue to connect our community across generations.
The Museum’s collections span a wide range of subjects, including local families and businesses, agricultural industries, military service, indigenous culture, recreational activities, and the diverse communities that have called the Bitterroot Valley home. The Museum also serves as a repository for primary source materials that support locally-based research.
The collections are actively used for exhibits, educational programming, and investigative endeavors. By preserving these resources according to professional museum standards, Museum staff ensures that the history of Ravalli County remains accessible for years to come.
Archives & Research
The Archives provides reference services to the general public, scholars, and to staff of the Ravalli County Museum. Researchers are welcome to access archival materials by appointment. Whether you are investigating family history, local architecture, businesses, or community organizations, our staff is happy to help connect you with available resources.
To submit an archival research inquiry or schedule an appointment, please contact archives@ravallimuseum.org. Research assistance fees may apply. Members of the Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society receive reduced research assistance fees.
View fees associated with research assistance.
Become a member for reduced research assistance fees.
Book an appointment with our archivists: archives@ravallimuseum.org
Donations
It is the policy of the Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society to acquire, through purchase, gift or loan, a collection of artifacts and related materials that reflect the historical and cultural heritage of the Bitterroot Valley and its people. The Museum welcomes inquiries about potential donations that support this mission.
If you have an object or archival material you believe to be of interest, please schedule an appointment with or send a detailed description with photos to collections@ravallimuseum.org. Scheduling an appointment allows our collections staff to discuss your item and determine whether it is appropriate for the permanent collection. After careful consideration, staff will contact you with a decision.
While we are grateful for every offer, not all donations can be accepted. Objects are evaluated based on their relevance to the Museum’s mission, provenance, condition, and our ability to provide long-term care. Because our ability to provide appropriate long-term care is limited by available space and resources, all prospective donations are evaluated according to the Museum’s Collections Management Policy.
Donor information is treated with the utmost confidentiality. No information shall be released to the general public without securing the prior permission of the donor. Donors may request to be anonymous and will not be listed, nor will their names be provided beyond the Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society staff and Board.
Interested in learning more? View the Museum’s Collections Management Policy (PDF).