The Living History Farm offers a chance to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this Victorian Era. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life in the Gallatin Valley circa 1890, and activities change through the summer to reflect the change in seasons. Much of our work is centered on producing food—from planting and maintaining the large kitchen garden, to harvesting and canning, as well as the maintenance of a home and surrounding fields and buildings.

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, which is open for exploration, 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. Cooking is done traditionally—without electricity or running water, but with great enthusiasm. Domestic chores such as cleaning, sewing, spinning, and weaving are part of every day's experience.

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. 

Our 4th of July celebration is a traditional ice cream social with a variety of activities for young and old, and the growing season culminates in our Fall Festival in August, complete with displays of heirloom vegetables and flowers, period demonstrations, a bake sale, music, and craft activities.

The Living History Farm is open on a seasonal basis, and all activities at the Farm are included with Museum admission thanks to the generosity of First Interstate BancSystem Foundation and First Interstate Banks-Bozeman, Gallatin Center, and MSU.