OUR PRESERVATION EFFORTS
PRESERVATION HISTORY IN CARBON COUNTY
In the early 1980’s the residents of Carbon County, members of the Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce, and the Carbon County Historical Society (CCHS) determined that the county contained historical and archaeological sites that were important to understand the heritage of Carbon County.
In an effort to organize, identify, protect and enhance these properties, a committee of volunteers formed in 1984 and applied to the Carbon County Commissioners to establish a Carbon County Historic Preservation Commission and to hire a Historic Preservation Officer for Carbon County. Funding from an annual CLG (Certified Local Government) grant, combined with additional funding from the CCHS and Carbon County covers the salary.
Carbon County Historic
Preservation Commission
In order to promote the preservation of historic and prehistoric sites, structures, objects, buildings and districts through the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic resources throughout Carbon County, Montana the Carbon County Historic Preservation Commission was formed through a resolution in 1986.
The commission consists of eight (8) residents of Carbon County, and, to the extent possible, consists of the following mix: three (3) members to be appointed by the Carbon County Commissioners with backgrounds or professional expertise in history, archaeology, architecture or other historic preservation related disciplines. One (1) member shall be appointed to the commission by the governing body of each incorporated city or town in Carbon County, Montana, (Bearcreek, Bridger, Fromberg, Joliet, Red Lodge).
This commission meets quarterly, in rotating locations throughout the county, all meeting are publicized two weeks in advance and are open to the public. The CCHPC is actively involved in city and county reviews, procuring funding for National Register nominations and sponsors the annual Carbon County Historic Preservation Award.
Current Members of Carbon County Historic Preservation Commission:
Rebecca Van Horn, Carbon County Historic Preservation Officer
Mike Wham, Preservation Commission Chair
Bob Hull
Debbie Hull
Maryvette Labrie
Beverly Murfitt
Chris Thelen
Marvin Keller
Matt Stumpf
Preservation Plan
The Carbon County Historic Preservation Office is soliciting public comment for its regular update of the Carbon County Historic Preservation Plan. To view the current version of the plan, click here.
To submit comments via email: preservation@carboncountyhistory.com
To submit comments via mailed to us at: PO Box 881, Red Lodge MT 59068
To submit comments in writing in person stop by the museum at 224 N Broadway Ave, Red Lodge MT 59068
Preservation Activities in Carbon County
(Places registered over the past 20 years)
2022 Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association
2020 Sage Creek Ranger Station
2017 Rock Creek Ranger Station
2014 Red Lodge Cooke City Approach Road District
The Yodeler Motel
2013 Kose Hall—Belfry
2012 MT, WY & Southern Railroad Depot—Belfry
2011 Bearcreek Cemetery
Bluewater Creek Bridge
Red Lodge Cemetery
Red Lodge Communal Mausoleum
Smith Mine Complex
2009 Smith Mine Historic District
2007 Kero Farmstead Historic District
Red Lodge Brewing Company/Canning Company
2005 Gebo Barn—Fromberg
2004 Bearcreek Bank
For a complete list of Carbon County buildings and areas that are on the National Historic Register, click here!
For information regarding the National Historic Register, click here!
Historic Preservation Award
Each year, the Carbon County Historic Preservation Commission recognizes an individual or organization for their accomplishments in the preservation of our county’s cultural treasures.
To nominate a person or project, please complete this form and bring it to the Preservation Office, located in the Carbon County Museum.