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Dr. Hansen, a 93-year-old retired Air Force flight dentist, shared a remarkable personal story from 1961 at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. He recounted a top-secret incident involving a UFO sighting, scrambled jets, and the subsequent disappearance of personnel who were debriefed at the Pentagon. While the Air Force has never confirmed the event, Dr. Hansen emphasized the bravery of those who served and the importance of remembering their service.
Becky Jeter, the new Executive Director of the Western Heritage Center, gave an engaging overview of the museum’s mission, exhibits, and programs.
The center is housed in the historic Parmly Billings Memorial Library, built in 1901 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It also includes the J.K. Ralston log cabin studio, currently in need of preservation.
Current exhibits include:
- “Having a Beer in Billings” – exploring the city’s brewing history
- “Hope in Hard Times” – Depression-era photography
- “Delegations: Diplomacy and Daily Life” – ledger art from an 1880 Crow delegation
- “Prisoner of War: Ben Steele’s Personal Chronicle” – artwork from a Bataan survivor
The center offers walking tours (Hoof It with a Historian), High Noon Lectures, traveling exhibits, and community events like Play-A-Palooza and Voices of the Past.
Becky confirmed they are exploring expansion possibilities, including potential use of the old Billings Hardware building, due to space constraints. They also plan to continue hosting traveling exhibits, including future collaborations with national institutions.
The center is housed in the historic Parmly Billings Memorial Library, built in 1901 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It also includes the J.K. Ralston log cabin studio, currently in need of preservation.
Current exhibits include:
- “Having a Beer in Billings” – exploring the city’s brewing history
- “Hope in Hard Times” – Depression-era photography
- “Delegations: Diplomacy and Daily Life” – ledger art from an 1880 Crow delegation
- “Prisoner of War: Ben Steele’s Personal Chronicle” – artwork from a Bataan survivor
The center offers walking tours (Hoof It with a Historian), High Noon Lectures, traveling exhibits, and community events like Play-A-Palooza and Voices of the Past.
Becky confirmed they are exploring expansion possibilities, including potential use of the old Billings Hardware building, due to space constraints. They also plan to continue hosting traveling exhibits, including future collaborations with national institutions.
The Western Heritage Center relies heavily on volunteers (over 20 active members) and welcomes new members. Benefits include free admission, discounts, and special event invitations. They are especially in need of both front-desk hosts and behind-the-scenes archival support.
