Category: Montana Military Museum

Enjoy the 26th Annual Montana Military Museum Wine Fair: Dedicated to the Heritage of Montana’s Military 

Helena (Fort Harrison, MT) April 9, 2025 — The Montana Military Museum’s 26th annual Wine Fair is Friday, May 2, 2024, from 6:30-10:00 p.m., at the Civic Center in Helena.

 

This is the annual fundraiser in support of the non-profit Montana Military Museum, located on historic Fort William Henry Harrison, on the west edge of Helena. The community-based Wine Fair Volunteer Committee members are hard at work in anticipation of a wonderful event.

 

The 26th Annual Wine Fair tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. Ticket outlets include Leslie’s Hallmark Store, 1609 11th Avenue Suite F; M-T Glass Liquor Store, 1609 11th Suite H; Island Liquor, 1225 E. Custer, E. Helena, Island Liquor 109 S. Lane East Helena; Headwater Craft House, 2125 N. Last Chance; American Legion Post 2, 3095 Villard Ave and at the Montana Military Museum, Fort Harrison.

 

Wine Fair tickets are available online at 406TIX.COM/EVENTS  and from the 2025 Wine Fair Committee members. Wine/Beer Tasting tokens are $1.00 at the door. For further information call 235-0290 / 458-9847 / 324-3550 (Msg).

 

By joining the Wine Fair, you can sample more than 80+ fine wines from Gusto Distributing. This includes several Micro Beers, along with water and soda are available by Pepsi Cola and Gusto Distributing.  Hors- d’ Oeuvres by Savor and Graze.

 

You can place your bids on donated, Silent Auction items; listen to the spirited live Blue grass music by a community band.  Enter to win a Wheelbarrow of fine Wines and other prizes. Purchase from the Mystery Wine Wall, where wine bottles are priced at $10 each. Additionally, view the Montana Military Museum heritage display.  The Montana Military Museum continues its progress entering its 41st year.  Museum professionally prepared volunteers are focused on the continuing  expansion efforts,  including the construction of the new exhibits and  space.

 

The Montana Military Museum is continuing to enhance the historic 1930s/40s Fort Harrison Medical Dispensary at the Museum complex. This World War II period facility houses parts of the ever-growing collection of military artifacts, and an expanding  advanced military research library and Museum workshop.

 

This year’s major theme is recognition of Montana’s proud military heritage, and we welcome our supporters back to celebrate this annual rite of Spring in Helena.

Recently completed exhibits highlight Montana’s WW I experiences, the early 20th century developments in the military, World War II participation, and post-World War II Military Heritage of the 163rd  Regiment, Montana National guard. The exhibits include Operation Ruptured Duck, Post-World War II Reconstitution of Montana’s Military, the many causes and effects of the Cold War, Montana’s part in bringing down the Iron Curtain signaling a step forward in resolution of the World’s Cold War which began in 1945.

 

With the support of Diane Carlson Evans, the Founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC, the Montana Military Museum has installed an exhibit in honor of the Vietnam Women veterans. This exhibit depicts the legacy of Women veterans and their full recognition into the military during the Vietnam War.

 

The Montana Military Museum is continuing to document the State’s military participation in Desert Shield/Desert Storm in early 1990-91 and subsequent Global Warfare operations.

 

The storyline includes Montana’s experience with Peacekeeping throughout the World and the transformation of the Montana National Guard from a Strategic Reserve to a fully Operational Reserve force. Montana’s participation in world-wide operations such as Southern Watch and post 9/11 operations including The Global War on Terrorism, in theater operations to include  Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation New Dawn.

 

The Museum continues to receive artifacts and soldier stories which reflect Montana’s historic world-wide military service. Donations of Montana military related items, including oral histories, are genuinely appreciated.

 

The Montana Military Museum is open each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. The Staff of military veterans and community volunteers are available to assist. We welcome all volunteers who want to help tell the story of Montana’s rich military history.

 

For more information about the 26th annual Montana Military Museum Wine Fair, tickets, or about the Montana Military Museum, please call 406-324-3550 / 406-235-0290.

Members of the 163rd Regiment Buried at the State Veterans Cemetery

The 163rd Regiment was composed of Montana National Guard soldiers who served in both the European and Pacific Theaters. 

Special thank you to Mike Connelly, a long-time volunteer at the Military Museum for compiling this data from many and various sources. 

163rd Infantry Reginment - Montana State Veterans Cemetery

Though technically part of the US Army in World War II, the 163rd Infantry Regiment primarily fought in the Pacific theater, not Europe, engaging in battles against Japan in the South Pacific. The 163rd Infantry Regiment was recognized as the first U.S. unit to defeat Imperial Japanese Forces in the Battle of Sanananda, Papua, New Guinea in January 1943; subsequently recognized by the 28th Montana Legislative Assembly by resolution and the famous painting by Keith Rocco in April 1943.

 

The regiment was part of the 41st Infantry Division, also known as the “Jungleers”.

Campaign highlights

  • Papuan Campaign: The 163rd fought in the Battle of Sanananda in 1943, which was the first land defeat of Japanese forces in World War lI
  • New Guinea Campaign: The 163rd fought in the battles of Aitape, Wadke, and “Bloody” Biak in 1944
  • Southern Philippines Campaign: The 163rd fought in the battles of Zamoanga, Sanga Sanga Island, and Jolo in 1945

OTHER DETAILS

  1. The 163rd was originally a National Guard unit from Montana, Oregon, and Washington
  2. The regiment departed San Francisco in March 1942 and arrived in Australia in April 1942
  3. The regiment was demobilized in Japan in January 1946 and sent home by ship

 

The 163rd Infantry Regiment was recognized as the first U.S. unit to defeat Imperial Japanese Forces in the Battle of Sanananda, Papua, New Guinea in January 1943; subsequently being recognized with a disguished unit citation by the 28th Montana Legislative Assembly in 1943 and the famous painting of the “Jungleers on Biak” by Keith Rocco in April 1943. Prints of this painting are available at the Montana Military Museum (montanamilitarymuseum.org).

Battle of Monte Cassino – Allied Mistake, or Brutal Necessity?

The Battle of Monte Cassino began on January 17, 1944. The area was a stronghold for Germany, which held the Garigliano, Uri, and Rapido valleys, forming the Gustav Line. The rugged terrain created a natural fortress, giving the town the defensive high ground and creating a strategic nightmare for the Allies.

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The Arsenal of Democracy’s Oversized Training Guns

Our friends at the Fort Harrison Military Museum in Helena, Montana, contacted us about an interesting discovery they made while searching through one of their storage sheds. Sorting through dust-covered artifacts, our friends at the museum stumbled across a small treasure-trove of unique pieces of American firearms history they put on display: a group of the double-sized training aids representing key U.S. small arms of World War II and the immediate post-war period. 

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Vigilante Day Parade

A group of students honoring the Devil’s Brigade soldiers took part in the Vigilante Day parade held in Helena, May 3rd, 2024. The Montana Military Museum provided uniforms, extensive support and other materials to help create their float “The Devil’s Brigade” in the parade. They were awarded the “Most Historical” award of the parade.
(from Left to Right) Elizabeth Hellyer, Shae Shifley, Andrey Butler, Sophia Scott, Dottie Erickson

21th Anniversary of 9/11 September 11, 2001 – Press Release

On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four US airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane was forced down and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

Referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction, triggering major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and forever defining the presidency of George W. Bush. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and firefighters who rushed to save lives without regard to their own lives.

Fort William Henry Harrison, MT – September 09, 2024: The Montana Military Museum is reminding all that Wednesday, September 11, 2024, is the 23st Anniversary of the 9-11 attack on the United States and initiation of U.S. efforts to combat terrorism.

The Global War on Terror has affected Montana, especially its men and women citizens serving in the military, some who have given their lives in the on-going conflict and still affects those today who work under conditions that continues to define our times daily.

The Museum invites the Helena area community to come out to the Montana Military Museum located on historic Fort William Henry Harrison on to view the small exhibit display that have been developed in response to the events of 9-11. The Montana Military Museum is open Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m and special hours upon request. On display is the Special 9/11 Commemoration Flag containing all the names of those who were lost on that fateful day. A Book of Remembrances is available for signing.

Since the 9-11Anniversary occurs on Wednesday this year, it hoped that the Helena area citizens take time to say prayers for those who lost their life in the 9-11 attacks and participate in any scheduled events. It is to remember the lives lost and the many Americans who have served and are still serving in a myriad of ways to keep us free from fear of such acts of terror. Give them support in their duties and bring them home safely to their family and friends.

Currently on display at the Helena Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fort Harrison is the Fallen Soldier Memorial dedicated to Montana’s losses in the Global War on Terror in actions as Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn and Afghanistan’s Operation Enduring Freedom. This is available during normal operating hours, Monday through Friday.

The Fallen Soldier Memorial is provided by the Robert Koontz Family and others who designed and built the memorial to Montana’s fallen soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the Global War on Terror from 2001 to the present. The continued display is the result of a lot of hard work by the many volunteers who support idea of telling the story of Montana’s men and women serving in military service and sacrifice throughout World as part of force to insure security and freedom.

The Montana Military Museum is located at Montana National Guard Training Center, Fort William Henry Harrison. Entry is through the main gate on Williams Street. The Museum complex is located on Mt Majo Street to the right past the Fort Harrison Military entrance. Look for the signs, and outside museum displays.

If you have any questions, please contact Raymond Read, Director of the Montana Military Museum at 406-324-3550 or at 406-458-9847/406-235-0290. Website www.montanamilitarymuseum.org Email info@montanamilitarymuseum.org The Department of Military Affairs, Montana, sponsors the Museum. The Museum’s scope is Montana Military History from the Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery to the present War of Terrorism. Exhibits tell the rich history Montanans in military service in war and peace in all services. The Montana Military Museum is financially supported through the efforts of membership and donations. The Fort William Henry Harrison Museum Foundation, a Montana public corporation, is recognized as a 501(c) (3) non-profit for purposes of public education.

Memorial Week/ Day Activities Abound in Helena, East Helena, and Fort HarrisonPress Release

FORT HARRISON/ HELENA, MT, May 19, 2024

Lewis and Clark County Veterans Memorial Foundation will conduct a traditional Memorial Day ceremony at the Lewis & Clark Count Veterans Memorial, located in Memorial Park, Helena at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

We invite all Gold Star families, area veterans, their families and the Citizens of the City of Helena and Lewis & Clark County to attend this 156th anniversary of Memorial day.

This solemn ceremony is to recognize U.S., Montana and Lewis Clark County veterans who paid the ultimate price through their selfless service.

The Lewis and Clark County Veterans Memorial was dedicated on August 15, 1949, by the Citizens of this County, to recognize their sacrifice and further resolve to honor their legacy through taking care of this community tribute to them.

In case of inclement weather, the Ceremony will be moved Lewis and Clark, American Legion Post 2, 3095 Villard Avenue at the same time.

The Guest speaker is Lowell Long, a Montana Veteran, currently serving as the State Commander, Montana Department, The American Legion.   Long served on Active Duty with the United States

Marine Corps Stateside and overseas in Okinawa.  Once discharged from the USMC, Long joined

Montana Army National Guard. During his subsequent service he deployed in 2003-2004 with the Montana 639th Quartermaster Company as a logistician in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Long retired from the Montana Army National Guard in 2006.

Lowell served as a career High School Teacher of Special Education in Harlem Elementary School, Harlem, Montana.  He recently retired from teaching but still serves his community of Chinook and the State of Montana in various volunteer capacities.  He a long-standing member of the American Legion Boys State Committee

Commander Long has served last two years as the State Commander, Montana Department of Montana, The American Legion.  The American Legion. He is responsible for nearly 15,000+ American Legion family members.

*** Other Memorial Day/Week events include:

Posting of Flags in Helena for Memorial Day activities on May 27(observed)and 30 the (traditional).  Posting of flags on veterans’ graves Montana Veterans Division Cemetery at Fort Harrison on Friday May 24 and in local cemeteries on Saturday May 25.  Flags will be picked up on June 3.  Flags provided by American Legion Post 2. This will be followed by a road cleanup on Custer Avenue. Volunteers are invited to meet at Lewis and Clark Post, 3095 Villard, at 9:00-10:00 a.m. for instructions and move to the Forestvale Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10010, East Helena will conduct their annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, 2024 (the Federally/State Holiday). The Parade begins as VFW Post 10010

3-3-3 Memorial Week Activities Around Helena, East Helena and Fort Harrison and proceeds to JFK Park for a Ceremony.  Upon completion the Parade will return to the Post where a luncheon will be served.

The Traditional Memorial Day Ceremony will be conducted at the Montana Veterans Affairs Division, State of Montana Cemetery located at historic Fort William Henry Harrison at 1:00 p.m., Thursday May 30, 2024.  The guest speaker is BG Renea Dorvall, Assistant

Adjutant General-Army.  BG General Dorvall also serves as the Commander of the Montana Army National Guard.  After 36 years of total service, Colonel Renea Dorvall was promoted to Brigadier General, becoming the first woman soldier in the Montana Army National Guard to have that title and grade.

Enjoy the 25th Annual Montana Military Museum Wine Fair: Dedicated to the Heritage of Montana’s Military 

Helena (Fort Harrison, MT) April 12, 2024, -The Montana Military Museum’s 25th annual Wine Fair is Friday, May 3, 2024, from 6:30-10:00 p.m., at Helena Civic Center in Helena. This is the annual fundraiser in support of the non-profit Montana Military Museum, located on historic Fort William Henry Harrison, five miles west of Helena. The resolute Wine Fair Volunteer Committee members are hard at work in anticipation of a wonderful civic event.

The 25th Annual Wine Fair tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. Ticket outlets include Leslie’s Hallmark Stores (1609 11th and 3321 N. MT Ave.), M-T Glass Liquor Store, 1609 11th Suite H; Island Liquor1225 E. Custer; East Helena Liquor 109 S. Lane East Helena; Headwater Craft House, 2125 N. Last Chance and at the Montana Military Museum, Fort Harrison.

Major sponsors include VFW Post 10010 – East Helena, The Boeing Company of Montana, and Valley Bank of Helena, Tickets are also available on 406tix.com, and from Wine Fair Committee members. Wine/Beer Tasting tokens are $1.00 at the door. For further information call 235-0290 / 406-431-2326/ 406-431-6195 406-3214-3550 Msg

By joining the Wine Fair, you can sample more than 80+ fine wines from Gusto Distributing. This includes several Micro Beers, along with water and soda are available by Pepsi Cola and Gusto Distributing. Hors- d’ Oeuvres by the dedicated people at Vans’ Thriftway.

You can place your bids on donated, Silent Auction items, listen to the spirited live music by Jack Berry. Enter to win a Wheelbarrow of fine Wines. Check out the Wine Wall of mystery bottles for $10 each and enjoy the Montana Military Museum heritage display.

The Montana Military Museum continues its progress. As the Museum enters its 40th year, the Volunteers are focused on the next phase of expansion efforts, which began in 2012 including the construction of the new exhibits and exhibit space.

The Montana Military Museum is continuing to rehabilitate the historic 1930s/40s Fort Harrison Medical Dispensary at the Museum complex. This World War II period facility houses parts of the growing collection of military artifacts, and a growing, advanced military research library and the museum workshop.

This year’s major theme is recognition of Montana’s proud military heritage, and we welcome our supporters back to celebrate the Rite of Spring in this.

Recently completed exhibits highlight Montana’s WW I experiences, World War II participation, and post-World War II Military Heritage of the 163rd. The exhibits include Operation Ruptured Duck, Post-World War II Reconstitution of Montana’s Military, the many causes and effects of the Cold War, Montana’s part in bringing down the Iron Curtain signaling a step forward in resolution of the World’s Cold War which began in 1945.

The Montana Military Museum is continuing to document the State’s military participation in Desert Shield/Desert Storm in early 1990-91 and subsequent operations. With the support of Diane Carlson Evans, the Founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC, the Montana Military Museum has installed an exhibit in honor of the Vietnam Women veterans. This exhibit depicts the legacy of Women veterans and their full recognition into the military during the Vietnam War. The storyline continues with Montana’s experience with Peacekeeping throughout the World and the transformation of the Montana National Guard from a strategic reserve to a fully operational reserve force. Montana’s participation in world-wide operations such as Southern Watch and post 9/11 operations including The Global War on Terrorism, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation New Dawn. The Museum continues to receive artifacts and soldier stories which reflect Montana’s historic world-wide military service. Donations of Montana military related items, including oral histories, are genuinely appreciated.

The Montana Military Museum is open each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. The Staff of military veterans and community volunteers are available to assist. We welcome all volunteers who want to help tell the story of Montana’s rich military history.

For more information about the 25th annual Montana Military Museum Wine Fair, tickets, or about the Montana Military Museum, please call 406-324-3550 / 406-235-0290 / 406-458-9847.