We’d love to have you join us.
Come on out!
Founded in 1977
About Us
Working for more than forty-five years to keep Valley history and memories alive!
The Sun River Valley Historical Society is a 501-c-3 non-profit. EIN # 81-0370847
Mission Statement
The mission of the Sun River Valley Historical Society is to PRESERVE THE HISTORY OF THE SUN RIVER VALLEY and to this endeavor, we have published two books, are working to RESTORE THE 1800s FORT AND CEMETERY at FORT SHAW, to educate and to preserve the rich and important heritage of the Sun River Valley.
The Sun River Valley Historical Society was formed in 1977 with the goal of preserving the history of the Sun River Valley and its remaining original structures including the buildings and military cemetery at historically important Fort Shaw.
The SRVHS is a 501c3 organization. We are not funded by any governmental agency.
Our funding largely comes from memberships and donations from our loyal supporters. We also have for sale two history books published by SRVHS, and our on-site gift shop offers a great selection of books as well as t-shirts, historical postcards, and fort memorabilia.
You can also make tax exempt donations and endowments in memory of loved ones.
Your generous support has enabled us to complete several important projects at the fort.
These included the replacement of roofing on the Bakery and the Duplex building and the period correct replacement of a wall in the Duplex that had completely collapsed. Volunteers, both singly and in groups, are welcome to help us with restoration, maintenance and hosting visitors. Four Boy Scouts have used projects at the fort to achieve their Eagle status, and several youth and church groups have contributed their labor.
It has been our objective to restore the interior of the buildings as closely as possible to their appearance in the 1870s. This includes structural restoration of their walls and ceilings as well as displaying furnishings and artifacts in a museum setting that in so far as possible allows visitor interaction, making them educational as well as display attractions.
Meet the Officers
President: Burnette Batista
Vice President: Randy Knowles
Secretary: Open
Treasurer: Open
Board consists of 9 Directors, with 2 open positions.
Meetings
Newsletter
This adobe wall had collapsed and fallen away from the building.
It was reconstructed using the existing brick along with others found on site. They were mortared in with crushed adobe to give the original appearance. The entire project is period correct, accomplished with original materials and construction techniques.
We use these methods so much as possible in all our restorations.
We welcome visitors!
Our walking tour is available at any time. Tours of the complete site for groups, families or individuals may be scheduled in advance. In 2025 we will host open house from June until September on the third Saturday of the month from noon until six.
Educators and students- and that most certainly includes home schoolers grade five and over- are welcome. You may contact us to set up a program for your class that features presentations on the fort and the Sun River Valley along with a tour of the buildings we have restored, and if you wish of the Military Cemetery. Please be aware that at least one of the restored buildings is not heated in the winter.
Regimental Commander’s Quarters
Duplex Officers’ Quarters
Military Cemetery
Restored Commander’s Parlor
Restored Duplex Bedroom
Placing flags for Memorial Day
Volunteering
If you are interested and able, we want your help. We can always use assistance. Just come to our meetings and let it be known that you are available, or just show up when we send out a call by letter or Facebook.
We welcome youth and youth organizations to assist with our projects. In the past we have worked with the Boy Scouts of America and have assisted four Eagle Scouts in completing their certification. Community members from the Sun River Valley and beyond have been most welcome helpers.
Recent Programs
We’re continually working hard to make improvements at the Fort, recording history, and taking on projects. We have published two books, established a beautiful monument to the Championship Indian Girls’ Basketball Team. We are always doing tours and special events, so please check back often to see what’s coming up.
The Sun River Valley Historical Society is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization and all gifts are tax deductible. Thank you for your support.
SUN RIVER VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
P. O. Box 155
Sun River, MT 59483
sunrivervalleyhistsociety@gmail.com
