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.