HMFM & RMMMH
3/16/22 VSP Meeting Minutes
SPEAKER: Robert “Bobby” McDonald joined us from the VFW in Anaheim, CA Bobby (714) 719-9789, ibdmac13@aol.com
WEB: https://www.ironriders2022.org/
Bobby is the Chair for Minority Vets of Orange County – his father & uncle were Buffalo Soldiers!
He discussed the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corp (IRON RIDERS or BUFFALO SOLDIERS) Quasquicentennial (125th Anniversary) Commemoration. Legionnaires tribute to the Iron Riders (great video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh1hc9cpQi0
Bobby’s been working w/Emily at Destination Missoula to create the schedule of events 6/14 – 6/19: https://www.ironriders2022.org/schedule-of-events
The cyclists will be on the Iron Riders route 6/14-17, then stay around Missoula for the Juneteenth events at Fort Missoula. Bobby’s inviting service providers, vendors, etc. to table any or all days (free – no sign up required / open to the public). You’re also invited to go to the Paddleheads game OR get a team together for the “Tribute to Iron Riders” golf tourney Wed, 6/15 at Larchmont (VSN Leadership discussed having a team and joining for our June meeting).
If you know anyone coming to town, the room rate is good until 5/6 (use the “Iron Riders” block). It’s also during the Army’s birthday and the American Legion State Convention (Hilton 6/15-19), so Missoula will be BUSY!!!
American Legion story – flipbook: https://issuu.com/williambyers/docs/american_legion_buffalo_soldiers_iron_riders
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula (HMFM)
3400 Captain Rawn Way
HOURS: Memorial Day to Labor Day: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday - 12pm – 5pm
Labor Day to Memorial Day: Tuesday – Sunday 12pm – 4pm (Closed Monday)
HMFM Field Trips: https://fortmissoulamuseum.org/education/field-trips/
The Montana Memory Project has a new virtual exhibit all about Fort Missoula's 25th Infantry: https://mtmemory.recollectcms.com/nodes/view/90296
RENTALS - For scheduling and pricing please contact assistant director, Carolyn Thompson (406) 258-3478, cthompson@missoulacounty.us
Summer Camps: https://fortmissoulamuseum.org/education/summer-camps/
Walking Tours: http://buildings.fortmissoulamuseum.org/
There are many amazing organizations who can use your help right now, and the Friends of HMFM is among them. If you have the ability to support HMFM or a well deserving local nonprofit, please take the time to do so and together we will celebrate the strength of our community. DONATE: https://fortmissoulamuseum.org/donate-form/
Questions: (406) 728-3476, fortmissoula@missoulacounty.us
Carolyn Thompson - Assistant Director of HMFM (406) 258-3478, cthompson@missoulacounty.us
Matt Lautzenheiser, Executive Director (406) 258-3471, mlautzenheiser@missoulacounty.us
Northern Rockies Heritage Center, Heritage Hall
3255 Fort Missoula Rd
Event Calendar http://nrhc.org/calendar/cal.html
(406) 396-4750, info@nrhc.org
Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (RMMMH)
2975 General Foster Ave. (Building T-316), Fort Missoula
Museum exhibits on War of 1812, Frontier era, Civil War, Imperial Age, World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Mideast conflicts, Montanans in battle, and Civilian Conservation Corps.
Summer Hours (6/1 – 9/6): Open 7 days a week, 12 – 5pm
Fall & Spring Hours (Sept – Dec & April - June): Saturdays & Sundays 12 – 5pm
Questions: Tate Jones – Director, RMMMH (406) 239-7738, militarymuseu45@hotmail.com