Tamar Stanley is at the forefront of all Museum activity. She oversees the operations and all aspects of the Museum experience.
“Building relationships, fostering a sense of place, and communication is the key to my everyday activities, ensuring that we meet our mission and fulfill the role given us.”
“I love seeing the reactions and interactions of the families and visitors that come through. When I can see that they have found an exhibit compelling or have learned something new, that makes my day worthwhile.”
Nancy Ann Bevins, Assistant Director pitches in wherever is necessary. She creates and manages projects via grant writing, organization, and projection. Additionally, she wrangles video production to "make History come alive." She also learns everything she can about the Museum and Ravalli County.
Nancy's favorite part of her work at the Museum is "spending days with the talented and versatile staff people." She adds, "I've been wonderfully enlightened on how integral everyone's gifts and abilities are needed, used, and appreciated."
Sarah Monson creates the graphics, branding and advertising for the Museum as well as interpretations for exhibits. She also undertakes the challenge of logistics, policies, vendor management and coordination for major events.
“To take a concept through the research process, then through the creative process and end up with a piece designed to delight and educate our audience is what makes my job so enjoyable. Add that to the interaction that takes place with such a wonderful group of staff and volunteers who are dedicated, warm and friendly, and who wouldn’t want to work here?”
Bill Whitfield is our resident history “know it all.” If you need to know a piece of history, he can tell you about it. When he’s not in the archives room, you’ll find him either in the collections vaults, or helping create exhibits, or give tours…
He is also a published author, having written and published “Montana Ghost Towns and Gold Camps” and “The Ram’s Horn Medicine Tree and Other Stories of Western Montana.” (Stoneydale Press) Both are available in the Museum’s Gift Shop.
“Time moves forward through life, but history allows us to stop the clock and turn back the hands of time. Every day I come into the Museum, I have the opportunity to glimpse the past… it’s like having my very own time machine!”
The tasks that Tara Gallagher has her hands in varies widely, from helping patrons with research, to improving our archival processes, to writing grants and caring for our collections.
“An out-of-state couple came in looking for any information about the woman’s connection to a family with the surname “Platt.” We were able to help them extensively, because early Bitterroot resident Hiram Platt figured prominently in our then-recently created Civil War veterans exhibit.
Before the couple left, the man came to the counter and said he couldn’t express how much it meant to his wife to find these pieces of her family’s story. He reached across the counter, touched my cheek, and said, “Bless you.”
Paula Frickey does all the phases of accounting for the Museum. When she’s not knee deep in financial documents and number crunching, Paula volunteers her time doing other Museum tasks.
“I love being part of a team of incredibly talented staff and volunteers, the great community activities and events, and helping with the creation of such fascinating exhibits! It’s the experience of doing something worthwhile. Every day at the Museum is exciting!”
Brynn Dubose is handling all new memberships for the museum along with donations and sponsorships. She will be working with the community to educate on what the museum offers and is driven by her love of history and people.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is a great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Along with keeping everything clean and in good working order, Sandy Seik takes care of many behind the scenes tasks such as the installation of exhibits, event set up and helping fabricate interpretive pieces and signage.
There’s never a task that Sandy is unwilling to jump in and do. His joyful nature and peaceful attitude adds to the value of our cohesive working environment.
Larry Anderson comes to us through the good graces of the Experience Works program. Larry not only gives a warm welcome to guests as they come into our front doors but he is active in many other departments within the museum and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
“The opportunity to meet people who visit here, and work with a staff of very knowledgable and capable people is a joy and a blessing.”
Dan Hirst comes from Experience Works, a Federal program. Dan is working in the museums archives to modify and advance the database. You can also see him working around the museum at events, working in fabrication and also helping with maintenance.
“Working at the museum is a unique experience I could only enjoy by understanding the past (our history) to help me understand the Present and hopefully, to help guide me into the Future without the hurdles and hardships our Forefathers had to confront and weather.”
Sandra Orr comes from Experience Works and is placed at the front desk, cheerfully welcoming guests and providing assistance with any needs they may have. Working to support other departments within the museum, she also completes miscellaneous projects and also enjoys helping work the Farmers Market boot!
“I love museums – the exhibits and events are so nice. It has been great, working with such a friendly and dedicated staff and volunteers.”
Nancy Joy Valk provides engaging learning adventures year-round for children of all ages. She plans and facilitates educational S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art, math) based activities which encourage critical thinking, creative processes, and problem solving techniques. She maintains the children’s exhibit room, complete with interactive displays and a maker space. Additionally, she provides educational outreach to local schools through museum tours and with cultural and historical materials contained within our educational trunks.
“I delight in researching and writing comprehensive lesson plans for imaginative skill building activities. I thrive in the positive and supportive museum environment where all my creative needs are met, and I am able to gather a myriad of supplies to provide endless hours of incredible activities. I have embraced the tenets of the four C’s ~ Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking as I actively apply them to each teaching and learning opportunity.”
Claire Zebrowski is a member of the Collections Committee. She came to the museum as a student and later joined the Collections staff.
Lane Patch came to the Ravalli County Museum as an Americorps VISTA in 2017. After her year of service, she joined the team as an assistant in the Marketing and Archives departments.
"There is nothing more fascinating to me than becoming entirely absorbed in a story - somebody's story - and, for a brief moment, feeling like I've been reacquainted with a long lost friend."
DeeDee Armstrong is on the marketing team here at the museum. She is an integral part of social media outreach, events, and donation solicitation.
"History events have sculpted our future."