Ravalli County Museum at the Old Court House - Hamilton

The Ravalli County Museum, the former Ravalli County Courthouse, built by A.J Gibson in 1900, served as the Ravalli County Courthouse until 1979 when it was saved from the wrecking ball by a vote of the people. It now houses what is considered by many to be the finest little museum in the northwest. Permanent collections include a native American collection, the National Senior Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, a veteran's display, Ernst Peterson photo exhibits, the Bertie Lord photo collection, Lewis and Clark room and extensive archives. Rotating exhibits in the former courtroom add to the ambience of this local cultural center, rich in the history of the Bitterroot Valley. The Hamilton Farmer's Market takes place Saturday mornings out front of the museum May through October. Annual events include Bitterroot Day: a street festival celebration of the Montana state flower, Mclntosh Apple Day: a street festival aptly described "The Biggest Bake Sale Under the Big Sky" for the hundreds of homemade apple pies, kabobs, caramel apples and cider sold there, the National Senior Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame BBQ: an outdoor event complete with live entertainment, catered BBQ and live auction. For more in-depth information, please visit us at www.brvhsmuseum.org.