History at the MonDak

Pioneer Town | Special Exhibits | Library/Genealogy | Online Highlights

Since 1967, the MonDak Historical and Arts Society has been preserving the artifacts and heritage of the MonDak region (encompassing seven counties in eastern Montana and neighboring North Dakota) while supporting and promoting the arts in the community. In 1972, the Historical and Arts Society opened the J.K. Ralston Museum and Art Center--named in recognition of the famed Western artist who hailed from the MonDak region - in the basement of the old Sidney, MT hospital. In 1984, the community built the Heritage Center (120 3rd Ave. SE) and moved its collection to one of the most beautiful facilities in the area.

Permanent Exhibits

The MonDak Heritage Center's historical and natural artifacts are displayed throughout the building, with an extensive collection of fossils and geological artifacts telling the story of Montana's ancient past on the main floor, and an authentically reconstructed 1910 version of Sidney found on the lower level. Stroll the boardwalk of our recreated pioneer town and visit a one-room schoolhouse, bank post office, train depot, an original homesteader's shack and more!

The Schindler Exhibit - Aug. 25 to Sept. 23

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the Heritage Center also hosts special displays, like this year's traveling Schindler Exhibit from the U.S. Holocaust Museum. The MonDak Heritage Center is one of only five other venues for this photographic exhibit in the United States and Canada in 2006 and includes special teacher's workshops and school tour offerings.

Technology Series

Other special history exhibits at the Heritage Center include a series featuring technology of the past. The first two displays in the technology series featured manual typewriters and toasters, with future exhibits to include other office machines, phonographs, and sewing machines. Check out these fun technology displays and take your own trip back in time!

Other History Resources

In addition to its many historical displays, the Heritage Center also houses the Lillian Anderson History Library, the most extensive research library in the MonDak region, ideal for genealogical research or general research on the region.  The library collection includes more than 10,000 Heritage Cards and hundreds of historical photos in its archives, along with area newspapers, books and more.

History Highlights Online

And finally, for interesting insights into local history, we've added a few historical highlights to this website, describing some of the "characters" of the MonDak and their contributions to its history.

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