The Making of a Museum

Online registration will be unavailable on Thursday, January 15, from 2-3 pm MT. To register, call our MSU secure phone line at 406-219-3298 for OLLI courses and 406-219-3946 for all other courses.

Dates: February 2, 2026
Meets: M from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
 Location: Bozeman, MT - Museum of the Rockies
Cost:  $0.00

There are still openings remaining at this time.

Date Day Time
02/02/2026Monday3 PM to 5 PM

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2025-2026 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

This presentation explores the evolution of the Museum of the Rockies (MOR), from a dream and its humble beginnings in three World War II Quonset huts to the museum it is today. MOR has become renowned globally for its expansive collection of North American dinosaurs and its extensive collection of Rocky Mountain cultural history, spanning 12,000 years of human history. Executive director Christopher Dobbs explores not only MOR's history but also its mission and insights into this beloved community museum's future.

Program Takeaways

Participants will gain:

  • An understanding of the museum's evolution and future.
  • A greater appreciation for the museum's broad impact on preserving cultural history and performing ground-breaking paleontological research.
Fee:  $0.00

Bozeman, MT - Museum of the Rockies

600 West Kagy Blvd
Bozeman, Montana 59717

Christopher Dobbs

Christopher Dobbs has been the executive director of the Museum of the Rockies since 2018. With over 25 years of diverse museum experience, he possesses a strong background in executive leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, education, exhibit development and a passion for the museum field. He holds a B.A. in American history from Indiana University and a master's in museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program.