Yellowstone Historic Center Projects List

Operations: The core administrative work that keeps the Yellowstone Historic Center functioning. This is not a glamorous project but most important to insure the smooth operations of all other projects.

Restoration of the Buildings of the Oregon Short Line Terminus Historic District: This project is guided by the “Historic Structures Report” completed in July of 2001 by James McDonald Architects. Restoration of the eight structures is critical to maintain their integrity. Important work has been completed on the Depot including a new roof and interior ceiling in 2001. Our next focus will be on the Dining Lodge, which needs extensive exterior work on log ends and window rehabilitation.

Museum Displays and Educational Programs: Updated annually with new exhibits, these projects will be ongoing year to year. A museum’s main function is to educate and entertain, with new displays and programs each year we will remain a dynamic and viable entity in our community.

Endowment: Endowments for long term funding are essential for the continued funding of all organizations. Endowments give a sense of permanency to the organization and help to provide stable budgeting for future operations.

The Model 50 White Touring Car: This car is the second of the museum’s major collections projects. This unique twenty five passenger car operated out of West Yellowstone from 1923 until the late 1930s. Found in a private collection in Merced, California, and in need of restoration, this car has been donated to the museum.

The Curatorial building: With the founding of the Yellowstone Historic Center and its desire to develop a museum to interpret and display the area’s history, it became apparent that a facility, meeting museum standards, would be needed to house and to care for artifacts. This building will enable the Yellowstone Historic Center to properly care for collections as they are acquired as well as to offer some space for year-round public display.