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Contact us via:

E-mail: mdhc@richland.org
Phone: (406) 433-3500
Fax: (406) 433-3505
Mail: 120 3rd Ave SE
Sidney, MT 59270

How can I support the musem?

Our Building

When was it built?
Designed in the style of old frontier blockhouses, the MonDak Heritage Center was built in 1984.
How much did it cost?
The total cost was $450,000 or $27.50 per square foot.
How large is it?
The building is 90 ft. by 90 ft., with 8,100 square feet per floor or about 16,200 total square ft., of which about 32% is used for museum space, 15% for art gallery and 8% for library use.
Other details:
The facility's center art gallery has total display space of 900+ sq. ft., while the outer gallery has 1494 sq. ft. of display area.

The temperature and humidity in the museum are controlled by automatic thermostats and the building has an "R" factor of 28.

About Us

The MonDak Heritage Center is considered one of the finest facilities of its kind in the state of Montana and is the focal point of cultural activities in Richland County.

The Center houses a MonDak Pioneer Town Museum in its lower level with a street scene depicting an early MonDak region pioneer town. Upstairs are two art galleries, two libraries, and a gift shop featuring the work of regional artists, area authors and other unique gift items. All proceeds go to benefit the Center, which is operated by the MonDak Historical & Art Society, a private, not-for-profit, membership-based organization.

The MonDak Arts & Historical Society

The Society was originally formed in 1967 and opened a temporary museum and art gallery known as the J.K. Ralston Museum and Art Center in 1972 in the "old hospital"  in Sidney, Montana. Named after Ralston, the famed western artist and Richland County native, the Ralston Center operated until 1984, when the museum was moved to the recently completed "MonDak Heritage Center," its permanent and present location at 120 3rd Avenue SE in Sidney, Montana.

Services

Some of the special services offered by the Society and the MonDak Heritage Center include:

  • Genealogical research materials and assistance upon request.
  • Extensive Art History Library and local History Library.
  • Handicapped accessibility.
  • Art classes for adults and children.
  • Narrated tours of the museum.
  • Copies of historical photographs and information on permanent collections housed in the Center.
  • Rooms for public meetings and private events.
  • Poetry and book readings, music performances and other cultural events.
  • Travelling exhibitions from various sources including MAGDA and the Smithsonian Institution.

Our Board and Staff

Board of Directors

Dave Branson, President
Gerald Navratil,
Vice-President
Cami Skinner, Treasurer
Amanda Seigfreid,
Secretary
Joe Bradley
Margaret Bradley
Marlys Dynneson
Bill Forrester - Lifetime Emeritus
Linda Mann
Candy Markwald
Duane Pust
Karen Redlin
Zach Yockim

Staff

Benjamin L. Clark,
Execuative Director
bclark@richland.org

Leann Pelvit, Administrative Assistant
lpelvit@richland.org

Debi Fox,
Collections manager