Planning a Field Trip to Helena?

 First, an apology about last week, when I accidentally scheduled two emails for Monday! One of those was supposed to be this one. The best laid plans....

Second, I hope you had a marvelous Thanksgiving break. 

Finally, I have both good and bad news for those of you planning to bring your students to Helena during the legislature. The good news first: The Montana Historical Society (MTHS) is resuming guided tours of the capitol to student groups. Tours will be offered Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Contact Anthony Schrillo to schedule: Anthony.Schrillo@mt.gov.  

As many of you know, MTHS is in the process of building a grand new addition, which, when it's completed will contain all new, world-class exhibits. It's going to be amazing, but transitions are never easy. All of this to say that all of our museum exhibits, except for Big Medicine, will be closed beginning January 1. 

Of course, there is still lots do do in Helena. We will continue to offer guided tours of the Original Governor's Mansion (group capacity is 20 people), and provide walking tour booklets for self-guided tours of Helena's historic districts. (Weather permitting, dividing classes into two groups, with one walking the neighborhood and the other touring the OGM, works well.)

Other organizations in Helena who offer tours and school programs include: 

• Montana Wild, whose programs include "Meet the Mammals," "The Science Behind Wildlife Management," "Fish Math," "Science Field Investigations," and more. They also offer travel grants!  
• Montana Jewish Project, whose tour of the historic synagogue focuses on the history of Montana's Jewish settlers. (Although the website says Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. I have been told they are willing to accommodate school groups at different times.)
• Montana Military Museum, whose displays follow the military in Montana from the arrival of the Lewis and Clark army expedition in 1805, through the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm and various peacekeeping operations. 
• Helena Cathedral, a truly grand building, is available to tour Tuesday-Thursday (ask for a tour focused on the art and architecture).
• ExplorationWorks is a science museum with exciting interactive exhibits.