Founded in 2003 and designated by Montana State Legislature, the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through the delivery of programs and services, we work to realize the fulfillment of our state-wide mission at the local community level. Through our network of trustees, members and volunteers, the notable contributions of those that have come before us are being preserved and passed forward as important educational symbols for the benefit of future generations.  We rely on supporters that share an understanding of the importance of community development, education, personal growth and the role today’s youth play in our future. Through these lenses we preserve and pass forward our Montana cowboy way of life, our American Indian cultures and our collective Montana Western heritage. Understanding our responsibility to ensure this project surpasses the most demanding standards, we have sought the very best leadership to advise our efforts.  From fundraising development through exhibition and site planning, we are blessed to be working with some of the very best professional leadership in the non-profit museum/visitor attraction industries.  

     Currently we are working closely with renowned exhibition planers - Storyline Studio.  Together we have developed a site and exhibition master plan for this project that all Montanans will be proud of.  It is uniquely “Montanan.” True to the spirit of our grassroots cultural heritage, this plan relies on un-detourable motivation, creative but common sense planning, and proven industry best practices to develop and properly sustain a successful education center/museum operation. We have also sought the advisement of recognized philanthropic consultant, Willard White with the firm Martz and Lundy to advise us as we prepare to conduct the national capital campaign feasibility study. Through these efforts, we will develop an understanding of the capacity, scope, and resources needed to see our vision become reality.