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Special Exhibits
 

NORTHEAST GALLERY
 
And the Bride Wore: Montana Weddings, 1900-1960
(through November 2013)

Weddings are both profoundly personal and intensely public, reflecting every couple’s own wishes and the times and culture in which they live. Throughout Montana history, couples have wed in large community celebrations and small family gatherings, in formal church ceremonies and simple courthouse proceedings, in fancy outfits and everyday dress. The Montana Historical Society's newest temporary exhibit, "And the Bride Wore," examines how history has shaped weddings - and particularly wedding fashion - during the first half of the twentieth century. Sixteen delightful and diverse dresses are on display, including a hand-stitched dress made of white lace and yellow silk ribbon (worn in Butte in 1907), a Crow elk-tooth dress (worn in Lodge Grass in 1945), and a ballerina-style white dress of synthetic satin, lace and tulle (worn in Hardin in 1957). Museum visitors are asked to participate in the exhibit by voting for their favorite ensemble and trying their hand at an old-fashioned Singer treadle sewing machine.
      Wedding outfits, Agnes Metully Stefanich and Charles Stefanich, Butte, 1907
Gift of Darlene Cramer, Montana Historical Society Museum Collection 2007.46.07 a-c, 09 a-b
LOBBY GALLERY
 
An Artist's Journey: The Life and Works of E. S. Paxson
(September 6, 2012 – Spring 2013)
 

The Montana Historical Society exhibit An Artist’s Journey: The Life and Works of E.S Paxson features a comprehensive look Edgar Samuel Paxson's work. Paxson was born April 25, 1852, in East Hamburg, New York. His early education was at Webster Corners, now called Orchard Park, New York.

Paxson's talent for painting and drawing emerged early. At age nine he became an apprentice to a "scenic painter", who designed and painted backgrounds, stage wings, and curtains for theater productions. The skills he learned during his apprenticeship aided his ability to make a living in Montana, first in Deer Lodge (1878-1880) and then in Butte (1880-1906) as a commercial artist.

In 1898 the Spanish American War interrupted Paxson's career - at the age of 46, he volunteered for service along with Harry, his 17-year-old son, and Robert, his brother. A year later, in the Philippines, Paxson contracted malaria.

  UNTITLED (Portrait of an Indian Male)
E.S. Paxson (1852-1919)
Oil on canvas, 1899
Montana Historical Society Museum Collection, X2005.02.07
Abroad a ship en route home, he suffered injuries when a wave struck him and threw him against a spar. He never fully recovered.

In 1906 Paxson and his family moved to Missoula where he lived until his death in 1919.

MONTANA MOMENTS GALLERY
 
Dora's Laundry
 
Between 1909 – 1923, Dora Linebarger ran a booming laundry business in Montana. Today, her ledger books have remained to tell the stories of those who had their laundry done – names marked on clothing to return it later, seasons of life – diapers appearing, and frugality in the ½ pairs of socks that were still washed long after their mate had worn out. Visit this new exhibit to explore more of these everyday clothing items that were popular on the homestead.