What does $2.2 million look like and what does it mean to the people of Kalispell? Those who want to know need look no farther than the old Central School, where the new Heritage Museum will feature the history of western Montana with displays on Native Americans and the railroad, aluminum and agriculture industries. “I think it’s a good idea,” said junior Missy Minnehan. “Besides history classes, I think it will help teach young and old kids about Flathead history.”` The museum will be history within history, as the building was the first school in western Montana. Built in 1894, the school brought students grades K-12 from Libby, Polson and other areas to receive an education. The renovation will update the building’s wiring and architecture and will make the building, which was abandoned in Oct., 1991, usable. The outside of the building will remain the same. “They (the bricks) are said to be even better than the bricks made nowadays,” said Delores Swanberg, a member of the Flathead Historic Society. “They were made right here in Kalispell.” The four original rooms will be used for exhibits and a lecture room. The attic will be used for storage and the basement will hold the business office and the archives, as well as a video conference room. “It’s good to know our heritage and what the value of the land was like before settlers came,” said senior Kyle Holloway. “It’s (the museum) cool because we don’t have one here.” One room will depict a classroom from 100 years ago. “If we don’t gather it (all the information) in one place all history will be lost,” said Swanberg. When completed the museum will include many changeable and permanent displays concerning the Flathead’s history. There will also be a large photo archive with a research area. The information that the museum holds will be accessible to other areas of the world through the internet. “I think the idea of a museum is good, but I don’t think $2.2. million should be spent on a museum,” said senior Erik Lorentzen. The museum will have a large permanent exhibit containing artifacts of Native Americans who lived in the Flathead, in addition to displays on the coming of forestry, transportation (steamboats and railroads), agriculture, and industry. There will be class tours during the school year that will be open to children from all over Northwest Montana. “I think the museum will have economic value,” said Swanberg. “It will give people something to do with the plays and performances. I just think the benefits are tremendous.” |
