About The Yellowstone Historic Center
The Yellowstone Historic Center is a non-profit located in West Yellowstone, Montana. The organization was founded in 1998 with the goal of preserving the historic district of West Yellowstone and preserving the history and cultural heritage of the town and surrounding area. The Yellowstone Historic Center manages the historic Union Pacific Depot as the Museum of the Yellowstone and manages with Union Pacific Dining Lodge as an event center.
Mission Statement
The Yellowstone Historic Center discovers, preserves, and presents the history of Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone, and the surrounding area for the education of visitors and residents.
Vision Statement
To become a world-class organization that, through collaborative relationships, tells historically accurate stories which stimulate discovery and critical conversations about the Yellowstone area.
In accordance with the Mission Statement, the YHC has developed the following Message:
The creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 caused a stream of visitors from around the world – journeying by various means- to come to Yellowstone for the transforming experience of “Wonderland.” In the context of transportation and history, the gateway town of West Yellowstone has the largest and most intact historic railroad complex built specifically to serve these national park visitors.
The YHC will accomplish its mission by:
Operating a Museum in the Union Pacific Depot that supports the mission and message statements. Restoring and preserving the buildings located in the West Yellowstone Oregon Shortline Terminus Historic District in West Yellowstone, Montana. Developing a new, year-round museum to house collections, and to preserve these collections and interpret them through displays and educational programs.
Annual Reports
The Yellowstone Historic Center has accomplished these goals through the generous support of donors, members, and through grants. To learn about our recent accomplishments, please see our annual reports: 2020 Annual Report, 2019 Annual Report, and 2018 Annual Report.
Plans for the Future
The YHC works closely with the Town of West Yellowstone and other organizations in the community and region to ensure the heritage of the Town of West Yellowstone and of the Travel to Yellowstone is preserved and interpreted. Learn more about our plans by reviewing our Strategic Plan.
Founders’ Circle
The members of the Founders’ Circle made significant contributions to the Yellowstone Historic Center during its earliest years. The support of these individuals, organizations, and businesses enabled the Yellowstone Historic Center to become the vital organization it is today.
Bill & Afton Boyd
Linda Fontenot & George Caine
Tom & Sue Cole
Timothy & Noelle Daley
Andrew & Judith DeBoer
Denny & Jeanene Dickenson
Zeke & Kay Dumke
Jan & Cal Dunbar
Eagle Company
Byrns & Corinne Fagerburg
First Interstate Bank
First Security Bank Foundation
Daniel Lorenzetti & Linda Rice Lorenzetti
Michael & Andrea Manship
Bob & Linda Pembroke
Lewis and Linda Robinson
Dan & Manon Russell
Jerry & Verlene Schmier
Seely & Howell Properties
Paul Shea
Arne & Stephanie Siegel
Union Pacific Foundation
Ventures West
Hamilton Stores
Povah Family Companies
Tom & Jean Young
Staff & Board of Directors
Staff:
Trent Redfield, Executive Director
tredfield@museumoftheyellowstone.org
Mary Gospodarek, Executive Assistant
mgospodarek@museumoftheyellowstone.org
Board Officers:
Carol Ashton, Chair – West Yellowstone, MT
Trish Barnes, Secretary – West Yellowstone, MT
Thornton Waite, Treasurer – West Yellowstone, MT
Board Members:
Melissa Alder – West Yellowstone, MT
Molly Moore — West Yellowstone, MT
Kendra Eagle Owen – Great Falls, MT
Romney Dunbar – West Yellowstone, MT
Do you have an interest in serving our organization? We would love to hear from you!
Click here to submit a Board Committee Interest Form.