preserving the past for the future
explore jefferson valley history
jefferson valley museum
Season 30: May 24 through September 15, 2025
Tuesday through Sunday, Open on Memorial Day and Labor Day (check with museum office for July 4)
Membership Form
Click on red box
Walk of Names Form
Click on green box
Memorial Donation Form
Click on orange box
Upcoming events
30th Season Opening
Saturday, May 24, 2025 Noon to 4 PM and Tuesday through Sunday ending September 15th. Open on Memorial and Labor Days. (check with museum to see if July 4 has staffing)
An opportunity to learn
Our museum has an ongoing program with Whitehall 3rd grade classes to learn about local and world history. Students visit in the fall and spring for hands on experiences.
We have also hosted student teachers from Montana State to help them learn about the local area before they teach locally.
History of Waterloo
Book by Ron Hunt - now available at the museum office or contact Ron Hunt
$25.00 each (if mailed, postage is $5.00 for media mail or $10.00 for Priority)
Video of Ron's April 2022 History of Waterloo talk also available at the museum office for $10.00)
School Groups Welcome
Whitehall 3rd Graders are learning about our local history. School groups are always welcome. Contact the museum office on most Monday afternoons to schedule a class visit.
KIDS SCAVENGER HUNT
To help our younger visitors enjoy the museum more, they can do a scavenger hunt to find artifacts listed on a guide sheet. Once they find all the items, bring back the completed hunt and receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone at our local A&W.
About the Museum
The main building is the red barn, orginally constructed in 1914 as a dairy. Over the decades, it fell into disrepair and would have been lost had a dream of local citizens not seen it's potential to become a great place to house the rich history of our valley. The barn, purchased by Basil and Tene Brooke in December 1950, was given by them in 1991 for the museum. With the help of volunteers, the barn was restored to its former glory and opened in 1995. Over the years, an addition was added to the barn, a blacksmith shop brought in, and the Jardine building constructed. More than 10,000 artifacts are on display. Photos, old newspapers, and a variety of documents are available for viewing and research. The museum continues to be operated by volunteers and relies on donations, memberships and grants to cover expenses and improvements.
