Molly Kruckenberg, Director
Montana Historical Society, Helena, MT
(406) 444-2694, mhs.mt.gov
What event (gallery show, museum exhibit, etc.) in the next few months are you looking forward to, and why?
In August I’ll attend, for the first time, the C.M. Russell Museum’s Russell Auction. Because I’m new to the director position at the Montana Historical Society, I haven’t had the opportunity to participate in this event before. I’m particularly looking forward to hearing Tom Petrie and Dr. Larry Len Peterson speak. Charlie Russell is an iconic Montana figure, and I’m excited to learn more about him, and how his works at the Russell Museum and the Montana Historical Society are complementary.
What are you reading?
Earlier this year Dr. Larry Len Peterson gave me a copy of his book The American West Reimagined and I’m slowly making my way through this excellent work on the panorama of Western art and artists. The Montana Historical Society has significant collections of Western art featuring masters such as Joe Scheuerle, John L. Clarke and O.C. Seltzer. Dr. Peterson’s book frames these artists in a new light in the context of the idea of the West.
Interesting exhibit, gallery opening or work of art you’ve seen recently.
Last year the Historical Society opened the exhibit Who Speaks to You? featuring an eclectic mix of portraits displayed in a way to encourage viewers to think about portraits differently. The exhibit urges visitors to consider all aspects of a portrait, from the backdrop to the color palette, to learn about the people who are pictured and their time. The exhibit also provides a glimpse of the wide variety of people who have called what is now Montana home.
Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), Untitled, 1943, watercolor/ink. MHS Museum, Helena, Poindexter Collection.
What are you researching at the moment?
The Montana Historical Society has started construction on the Montana Heritage Center, a significant addition to and renovation of our current building, which will feature greatly expanded exhibition opportunities. Part of the design process is reimagining and redesigning our interpretation of Montana history, including our Charles M. Russell Gallery. I’ve been spending time exploring current interpretive theory and practice, with a focus specifically on decolonization of museum exhibits and inclusive interpretation.
What is your dream exhibit to curate? Or see someone else curate?
I’m excited that one of our inaugural exhibits in the new Montana Heritage Center, which will open in late 2024, will feature the Poindexter Collection. The collection contains 99 works of art representing the New York School of Abstract Expressionism, with works by Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Gifted to Montana by E.G. and Elinor Poindexter, these works have not been previously featured at MHS. It’s exciting to be develop an exhibit that will share them more widely.—
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