Special Events & Exhibits
CARTER COUNTY MUSEUM, EKALAKA, MT
Special Exhibits and Events
Check out this page for changing exhibits and special events at the Carter County Museum.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 3:00 P.m.
Field Tour: Heritage Apple Orchards of Southeast Montana
Free Admission
Join us at the Carter County Museum for a short tour of the Carter County Heritage Orchard at 3 p.m. then carpool to the Albert Fost Orchard near Willard, Montana. Once there, Randy Hanson, Karen Griffith, and Maxine Rost (grandchildren of Albert and Ella Fost), will share a few words about the history of the orchard and its trees. Then participants are free to pick apples and enjoy the fall evening!
Albert Fost homesteaded near Willard, MT in 1909 and by 1916 had started an apple orchard as part of a windbreak for the homestead. Many of his trees came from stock out of his father's orchard in Swift County, Minnesota. Albert was also interested in paleontology and spent many days in the field with Marshall Lambert, finding fossils all over southeastern Montana, which are housed at the Carter County Museum. We will have a selection of these fossils for visitors to see at the Fost Orchard.
For those traveling on their own, plan to be at the Albert Fost Orchard (131 Willard Rd E) at 4 p.m. For those carpooling, we will be back to the museum by 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 AT 7 P.M.
DINOSAUR DREAMS WITH AUTHOR B. J. HOLLARS
A Montana Dinosaur Trail 20th Anniversary Event
Free Admission
Join us at the Carter County Museum for a special evening with author B.J. Hollars, who will present from his new book, Dinosaur Dreams: A Father and Daughter in Search of America’s Prehistoric Past.
This heartfelt and humorous travelogue follows Hollars and his young daughter Ellie as they journey across Montana in search of fossils, friendship, and the magic of dinosaurs. As PBS’s Prehistoric Road Trip host Emily Graslie writes, “Dinosaur Dreams invites us to be the welcomed third passenger…The concepts, people, and sites we’re introduced to—not to mention some incredibly cool dinosaurs!—will deepen anyone’s appreciation for paleontology.”
Don’t miss this unforgettable adventure through time, science, and family!
Note: Montana teachers may earn 1 hour continuing education/professional development credits for attending this free program.
Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
A Night at the Museum with Author Ashley Hall
Co-hosted with Ekalaka Public Schools
Free Admission
The Carter County Geological Society Presents “A Night at the Museum” with author Ashley Hall at Carter County Museum on Thursday, November 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Join author, educator, and science communicator Ashley Hall for a tour of fossil legend Mary Anning’s hometown of Lyme Regis! Book signing of Prehistoric Worlds to follow.
Note: Montana teachers may earn 1 hour of continuing education/professional development credits for attending this free program.
THURSDAY, March 5, 2026 AT 7 P.M.
Fifty-Six Counties with Author, Radio Host Russell Rowland
Free Admission
Russell Rowland has published five novels, three of which are based in Carter County, as well as the non-fiction book Fifty-Six Counties: A Montana Journey, which is his account of his travels to every county in Montana. He has spent the last several years hosting an interview program on NPR, also called Fifty-Six Counties, where he interviews Montanans about how this state has shaped them, and what they are doing to shape Montana. A book signing will follow the program.
Note: Montana Teachers can receive up to 1 hour continuing education/professional development credits for attending this free program.