The World Museum of Mining is like taking a walk down a live history lesson. There is so much to explore and experience. I am amazed at the hard work and dedication the small staff and volunteers do just so all may experience life in a mining town. Every inch of it is a journey full of lives and stories waiting to unfold. It has drawn me in since my childhood. I am proud to serve on the board and have some part in preserving this most unique Museum.
I used to go to the World Museum of Mining with my parents and always took relatives along whenever they visited. I still smile as I recall the experiences and remember the excitement I felt whenever we took the trip "up the hill". Therefore when I was asked some years ago if I would be interested in joining the board of directors I was thrilled to be able to help preserve this experince for others and improve on an already fantastic historical treasure. The museum seems to improve every year and with the addition of the underground tour where you actually get to experience what the miners felt as they went down in the mines the museum is unsurpassed for providing a living walk back in time for all who venture in. I recommend a trip to the museum for anyone visitng Butte and also for anyone who lives in Butte and hasn't been there lately. There's always something new to discover. Also, the museum has more than 14,000 photos in the photo archives that are truly incredible to see. The staff and volunteers that manage this collection are extremely dedicated and will make your visit one you will never forget.
I worked with the World Museum of Mining first as a technical consultant. The museum employees and volunteers have always really impressed me with their dedication. It doesn't matter how cramped or chilly the working conditions are, the crew is always there to get their work completed. And they're always able to wrangle up some help to fix a leaky roof or otherwise compromised outdoor exhibit. The level of community enthusiasm for the museum is really inspiring. I would love to see what this dedicated team could achieve with some better funding.
As a board member I have been able to see into this non-profit at a deeper level than most including their management and operations. I have been involved with this non-profit for several years and see it mature through some rocky times and can say that the present staff and board are excellent stewards of the trust placed in them by members, donors and corporate sponsors. They have a long range plan and continue to to be the place that guards the stuff of history in their collections including one of the most amazing photograph collections held of the industrial West. This non-profit does important work and any contributions received are well spent and well managed. They are very worthy of charitable support at all levels and offer many benefits for their members as well.