Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Victorian Era

Located to the south of the Museum’s main building, the Living History Farm offers a chance to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Homesteading Era. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life in the Gallatin Valley circa 1890, and activities change through the summer to reflect the change in seasons.

The centerpiece of the Living History Farm is the Tinsley House, a two-story farmhouse built in 1889 by William and Lucy Tinsley and their eight children. The interior has been restored to replicate the original residence as closely as possible. Entering the home, you’ll feel the warmth of the woodstove and smell the delicious meals prepared daily for the crew.

Outside, the gardeners take great pride in their work - tending an heirloom kitchen garden, which supplies most of our produce, and flower, herb and Native American gardens. Several days a week visitors can enjoy blacksmith demonstrations, musicians playing piano and hammer dulcimer, and children playing period games.