Montana Historical Society

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RENT SOME HISTORY!

Plan your next business meeting, after-hours event, or private gathering at the Montana Historical Society.

Montana Historical Society, 225 North Roberts St., across from the Capitol

Call 406-444-1799 or visit http://mhs.mt.gov/finduse/findus.asp for more information.

General rules and information:

Organizations whose functions and missions are compatible with those of the Society may rent the MHS lobby and auditorium for appropriate functions by contacting the Society Administrative Assistant at 406-444-1799. The Administrative Assistant coordinates with other Society staff to insure that the proposed event is suitable, space is available, and security guards can be secured.
Rentals are booked on a first-come/first-served basis. Upon request, the Administrative Assistance can save the space on a temporary basis, however, reservations are not final until both parties have signed the rental agreement form and it is returned to the Administrative Assistant.
Use must be tailored to fit the layout of lobby/auditorium at any given time (i.e. exhibits cannot be moved).
Checks should be made payable to Montana Historical Society.
Food and beverages are not allowed in exhibit galleries. If the galleries are open during an event at which refreshments are being served, Gallery Hosts must be engaged to enforce this policy. As part of its fundraising efforts, The Friends of the Montana Historical Society—a volunteer support group— provides this service for $75. The Administrative Assistant will make the necessary arrangements, but a separate check should be made payable to the Friends of MHS.
Renting organizations are responsible for providing all linens, china, glassware, flatware, etc., as well as basic clean up after the event.
It is sometimes possible to have the Museum Store open. If desired, this is negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Final arrangements for a major event should include an in-person visit to the Society for on-site consultation with the Administrative Assistant.
If alcoholic beverages are to be served, the renting organization must secure the services of a licensed dispenser/cash bar. A copy of the license must be provided to MHS.

Museum Lobby,

Suitable for receptions, parties, and small sit-down dinners.
Rental fees – $175.00 per hour; outside of regularly scheduled staff hours there will be an additional charge of $100 per hour to cover the costs of extra security.
Cleaning fee – a standard cleaning fee of $75 is charged when food and/or beverages are served. Additional fees may be imposed to cover costs for damage or extraordinary cleaning services.
Capacity – 150 people for a reception (200 if no food or drinks are served); 40 for a sit-down dinner.

Museum Auditorium,

Suitable for training sessions and workshops.
Rental fees – $100.00 for an eight-hour day; outside of regularly scheduled staff hours there will be an additional charge of $100 per hour to cover the costs of extra security. Some audio-visual services are available for a fee of $75.00 per hour including staff and equipment.
Cleaning fee – a standard cleaning fee of $50 is charged when food and/or beverages are served. Additional fees may be imposed to cover costs for damage or extraordinary cleaning services.
Capacity – the auditorium holds a maximum of 75 people auditorium style or 32 classroom style.

Friends Kitchen:

There is a very small kitchen at the back of the lobby for use by the Friends of the Society.
All equipment in the kitchen has been purchased by the Friends for their use.
Caterers may work from the kitchen, but are asked to provide all of their own equipment and supplies, and to return the kitchen to its original condition and set up.
Please do not leave food in the refrigerator.

Please click here to download the reservation form. MS Word format (.doc)