History

For over 25 years Bob Barthelmess, and his wife Betty Ann, had a goal in life: to make the Range Riders Museum the best Western museum in the Pacific Northwest. We believe they have done that. This tradition is now carried on by their daughter, Bunny Miller, the current Curator of the Range Riders Museum.

We also believe that the Range Riders Museum of today is doing its part in preserving the heritages that the five founders proposed 70+ years ago.

According to the Miles City Visitors Guide 2009 edition, “The Range Riders Museum captures the essence of area ranches, railroads, Indian villages, Fort Keogh and all the things that make south-eastern Montana special and historical.” “… The C.M. Russell (Charlie Russell) gallery with prints by the famous artist; a collection of photos of early-day residents of the area; three shops for women.” “A collection of about 1,200 arrowheads fills 12 showcases and one of the displays at the Museum.”

“Everybody who was anybody in southeastern Montana’s early days is represented at the Range Riders Museum. In fact, plenty of people who were just ordinary folks are there, too: cowboys, Native Americans , sheep-herders, school teachers, homesteaders, business people and Army personnel.” To see photographs of lots more exhibits, please scroll to the bottom of the Exhibits page.