United States Murdock Tender

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has awarded 500000 to the Montana Historical Society MHS to help it preserve and promote the states cultural heritage through the renovation and construction of a new Montana Heritage Center. The funds will help MHS renovate its existing facility and construct a 64000-square-foot addition. The Montana Historical Society plays a key role in preserving the history and culture of Montana. Organizations like MHS help educate and inspire children and families while simultaneously helping build and strengthen bonds of community. It is wonderful to see their growth as a result of successfully serving this mission and we are grateful to play a small role as they expand to serve even more members of the Montana community said Steve Moore executive director M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The grant to MHS reflects Murdock Trusts continued investment in the Pacific Northwest having contributed more than 99 million to nonprofits serving communities in Montana and 1.2 billion in the region overall since 1975. This includes 3.3 million during the past decade for arts and culture organizations in Montana.This project has been more than 15 years in the making so we are thrilled to finally see it become a reality said MHS Director Molly Kruckenberg. This grant from the Murdock Charitable Trust will ensure that MHS is able to continue promoting an understanding and appreciation of Montanas rich culture for generations to come. Established in 1865 MHS is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the West. Since 1952 its home and its vast collection of artifacts photographs and documents has been in the Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building in Helena. The society has outgrown the building and the building needs some mechanical updates.The Heritage Center project is receiving 42.2 million from the statewide accommodations tax paid by those who rent hotel rooms or other accommodations in the state with an additional 10 million raised by MHS. MHS is creating new interactive public areas an additional collections space a commons area connecting to a caf a gift shop and event center reconfigured galleries and enhanced workspaces for staff. It is set to open in 2024. About M. J. Murdock Charitable TrustThe Murdock Trust created by the will of the late Melvin J. Jack Murdock provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific NorthwestAlaska Idaho Montana Oregon and Washingtonthat seek to strengthen the regions educational spiritual and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Since its inception in 1975 the Trust has awarded more than 7500 grants totaling more than 1.2 billion.