Live History Days bring displays to life

On any given day, the exhibits in the Miracle of America Museum in Polson tell the history of America and its people. But during Live History Days, July 15-16, many exhibits come alive as skilled craftsmen show how things were made in the “old days” while volunteers start the engines on what are usually static displays.

Want to take a ride in a military vehicle? Sit in the cockpit of a jet plane? Watch as a freshly cut log becomes lumber for a house or barn? Learn how arrowheads are made? See how hot glass and the skill of a glass blower create a work of art? Watch history come alive from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors will find lots to see on the museum’s four acres, where more than 40 buildings provide a glimpse into the past while providing plenty of room for families to explore. The many kid-friendly exhibits will be enhanced with chances to ride in the park train, “drive” a dragster race car or have a photo taken with a minion, an alien or inside a UFO.

All rides during Live History Days are included in the admission price, but since this is an annual fundraiser for the museum, tips or cash donations are appreciated.

Historic Preservation Grant awarded to Polson museum

The Miracle of America Museum was among 44 organizations in 31 Montana communities to recently receive a Historic Preservation Grant. The nonprofit museum, founded in 1981 by Gil and Joanne Mangels, was awarded $70,351 to help preserve its collection, which includes thousands of artifacts, housed in dozens of buildings.

Grant recipients may use grants for infrastructure repair, building renovations, maintenance, remediating building-code issues, security enhancements and fire protection.

“It is important for us to showcase our state’s rich history, as well as the culture and heritage that created Montana as we know it today,” said Scott Osterman, director of the Montana Department of Commerce.

Museum receives grant from GPCF

The museum also received a grant for $2,650 from the Greater Polson Community Foundation (GPCF). According to CEO Gil Mangels, the grant will help the museum continue to display, preserve and protect important historic documents.

“You have again shown trust in the Miracle of America Museum’s ability to use your investment wisely in strengthening our ability to better the community,” Mangels said of the foundation.

He noted that past grants from the GPCF have enabled the public to board the historic Paul Bunyan, at logging tow boat that once plied the waters of Flathead Lake and remains a favorite of many children.

“We appreciate the support from the Greater Polson Community Foundation and the members of the Polson community,” Mangels said.

Founded in 1981, the Miracle of America Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of one of the nation’s largest American history collections. This year alone, the museum has logged visitors from 49 of the 50 states and many different countries.

The museum also sponsors several educational tours for elementary and secondary level schools across Montana.

The museum is located at 36094 Memory Lane in Polson and is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for children 2-12 and $10 for adults, and free for children under 2.

For more information, visit miracleofamericamuseum.org.