Collections & Archives

The main body of artifacts at Ravalli County Museum has been donated over 60+ years. Many pioneer families have contributed to the collection. Early historical society member Henry Grant, affectionately known locally as “Mr. Bitterroot,” collected and donated numerous early Bitterroot objects. Artifacts from local Native American tribes – the Salish, Kootenai and Nez Perce – comprise a permanent exhibit.

The Museum’s collection also includes the work of regional photographer Ernst Peterson; objects from an early fraternal organization; a wood hand tool collection; agricultural implements; military uniforms and accessories; portraits and paintings; numerous Victorian era household fixtures; dry goods; and vintage clothing.

For questions about Archival Research, please send an email to rcmuseumarchives@gmail.com

We love interest in donations of objects! We strive to provide each object in our collection the best storage and exhibition conditions, which limits the number of items we can accept and store correctly. Please call or email the Museum to schedule a time to bring in your object. This will insure that our collections personnel will be available on the day you visit, and can give you an assessment about whether or not the Museum can accept your object into the collection.

Important Note: the process of donating items to the Museum’s collection is different from donating antiques and collectibles to the Museum’s annual auction used for fundraising purposed. Museum collections are NEVER included in our auctions or sales of antiques and collectibles – sale items are collected separately from individuals who donate for the specific purpose of supporting the Museum’s fundraiser.