Virginia City

Interpretation & Education

Welcome to the Montana Heritage Commission's Department of Education and Interpretation. There are three members on this team--John Ellingsen, Curator of History; Dan Thyer, Living History/Volunteer Coordinator; and Bill Peterson, Curator of Education and Interpretation. Although somewhat biased, we think this is the most exciting department within the Montana Heritage Commission because it is our job to tell the history behind this wonderful and amazing resource. Translated loosely, interpretation is the important messages that visitors to Virginia and Nevada Cities see when they get here and take with them when they leave. We help tell the stories that matter most.

We not only get to do our own work and relate important history but we also get to tell others about the great work being done by the other departments. The Historic Preservation and Collections teams have a mighty task in the preservation and care of more than 200 buildings and more than 250,000 objects. Often times their work is done behind the scenes and when completed almost invisible. Nevertheless, the buildings and objects can tell visitors and historians a great deal about the past in Alder Gulch and their work only adds to that body of knowledge and research allowing us to do better interpretation. At interpretation and education we must relate to the visitor what the other departments are doing so the public is aware of the continual challenges and ongoing preservation work being accomplished at Virginia and Nevada Cities.

The future holds great things for the Montana Heritage Commission and its vital work in Virginia and Nevada Cities. As time goes by you will begin to see some new, different, and exciting methods of interpreting the remarkable history of Alder Gulch. Exhibits will change, interpretive text will appear in both Nevada and Virginia Cities, and our living history program will continue growing as we travel through these exciting times. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy what you see. For more information on the Education and Interpretation department or if you want to be involved in "one of America's most ambitious preservation projects," please contact Bill Peterson at 406-843-5247 ext.208, billpeterson@mt.gov.