The BILLINGS GAZETTE of March 10 had an article regarding the moving of the museum's collection and archives by the National Park Service to Tuscon Arizona from the battlefield near Hardin.

What a disaster this would be for the LBH and the state of Montana. Once moved they would never come back. Imagine, moving the Alamo to Mexico City or the LBH monument to Central Park. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the LBHNM each year. Many hundreds utilize the archives. All of this material needs and should stay in Montana. As noted in the article, Libbie Custer et al would be turning over in their graves.

Wheather a Custerphile,a concerned Montanan,or have an interest in regional touristism. I urge you to conntact your Senators and Representive as well as the Governor and the National Park Service. This would also include the local chambers and mayors of the surrounding areas and join the support for the collection and archives to remain in Montana. There is little time left.

I was appalled to read that but not surprised. The nation has been ignoring the battlefield for years. That visitor's center should have been replaced years ago. Sadly, with the current state of the economy, I suspect nothing will continue to be done.

It is one of my favorite trips with the kids...so much history and so sobering to drive thru...How sad...

So ... how much time and energy does it require to send emails to the Gov., the Senators, the Representative, the National Park Service????

If the museum is something that is important to you, let the elected officials and NPS hear from you. If you choose to do nothing, you don't have room to gripe.

Governor
http://governor.mt.gov/co...tsform.asp

Senators
http://www.senate.gov/gen...m?State=MT

Representative
http://rehberg.house.gov/...ntree=6,62

National Park Service
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
(202) 208-3818

NPS Intermountain Region
John Wessels, Regional Director
National Park Service
12795 Alameda Parkway
Denver, CO 80225
(303) 969-2500

[This message has been edited by Bill Freese (3/15/2011)]

Thank you Bill,
In addition, The LBHNM leader at Crow Agency is Kate Hammond.
[email protected]
Denver region,
[email protected]
Senators
http://baucus.senate.gov?p=contact
http://tester.senate.gov.contact

Is this a joke? WTH would they move to Arizona?

To make room for the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. :ducking:

Seriously, this purposed move is absolutely outrageous and should be stopped.

[This message has been edited by Dark Beer (3/15/2011)]

Can anyone from outside Montana write to the Senators and voice their displeasure with this? I'm not from Montana but I would hate to see this happen. This would be akin to moving the Pearl Harbor memorial to Dallas, Texas.

The visitor's center is TINY and the collection is not stored properly so to protect it, TIIC want to move it. Rather than, say, BUILD a new visitor's center and provide proper storage.

Anyone from anywhere can and should write or e-mail to ther senators as well as the Montana ones and the governor. Please do.

While the space is cramped, would seem funding for safety measures would not exceed the cost of moving to Arizona. A real Montana tradegy is about to take place. The NPS seems to believe they can do as they wish,

[This message has been edited by ike eichler (3/15/2011)]

If they are going to move the artifacts why not move them to a museum in Montana. MC is pretty close to the battlefield

They need a proper storage area, with a fire suppression system, atmospheric controls and real security, all of which they are currently lacking. I suppose they could consider building a decent storage facility with all those qualities but, you know, it's only Montana.

Don't get me started on the way the battlefield has been ignored by the Feds for many, many years.

I rec'd a reply from Gov. Schweitzer's office - "This is a federal matter over which I have no control. Please contact our Montana Congressional Delegation members to express your thoughts on the proposed move."

I had to send a follow-up to Mr. Schweitzer, reminding him that he had no problem getting involved in the federal wolf management plan. I've NOT had a response back to my follow-up, will let you folks know when I do.

I too, received a similar mail from the Gov's office signed by an asst at the Citizen's Advocate Office. Probably never reached the Gov. E-mailed them back,but no answer as yet.

The only real positive response has been from the Mayor of Miles City!!

Please contact as many elected officials as possible. Time is running out.