Mission Statement
The mission of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is to keep Missoula County’s history alive for the education and enjoyment of the public.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is to inspire a sense of place and history for Missoula County by collecting, studying, interpreting, and preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. This includes the Museum’s core areas of collecting: the history of the city and county of Missoula, the history of Fort Missoula and the military presence in the area, and the history of forest management and the wood products industry in western Montana. The Museum’s focus further includes, but is not limited to: family history, women’s history, Native American history, environmental history, and minority-based history.
Our vision for the Museum is for a place and institution that:
- Is a welcoming place where people are drawn together to share their passion and interest in our history and sense of place
- Supports and gives voice to the region’s diverse cultural perspectives
- Has sustainable, modern facilities while retaining its traditional character
- Creates and maintains educational programs and exhibits that are professionally presented, inspiring and intellectually challenging
- Has collections that are conserved per American Association of Museum accreditation standards, and will provide a continuing source of inspiration and learning
- Has a paid staff and volunteer corps that are creative, enthusiastic, and supportive of each other, the Museum’s mission, and the community.
- Participates in discussions at the national level on matters pertaining to the Museum’s mission, and for the good of the profession.
- Believes in and participates in open strategic partnerships.
Core Values
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is committed to
- Openness – of purpose, governance, and communication
- Integrity – in fair and ethical practices, and the respectful treatment of all
- Excellence – in leadership, cooperation, and in use of the highest museum standards as established by the American Association of Museums
- Relevance – in identifying and responding to new challenges
- Stability – of its mission, vision, and resources, particularly its collections
- Respect – for different viewpoints, diverse cultural values, and the traditions of the Museum
- Balance – in dealing with all aspects of museum operations fairly and honestly
Implementation Strategy
Insofar as its resources permit, the Museum collects, preserves and interprets objects and informational materials related to the exploration, founding and evolution of the community and county of Missoula, the development of Fort Missoula and the myriad aspects of the military presence in the area, and of the history of forest management and the wood products industry. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets objects from the period of the earliest exploration to the present in order to present a coherent and total picture. These objects and informational materials are made available for study and the enjoyment of all, in a pleasant, secure, safe and accessible setting. While, the Museum does not collect Native American objects the Museum will enter into cooperative partnerships to help save and interpret local Native American history.
For more information about the Historical Museums individual policies, see below.