Friends of Virginia City, Nevada City, and Reeder's Alley:

The minutes of the 51st Meeting of the Montana Heritage Commission held on 14th September 2005 in Virginia City may be seen at September 14, 2005 Commission meeting

We are looking for a person to help with grants and administration. The job is listed on our website.Pls see Employment Opportunities.

The Montana Heritage Commission is seeking proposals to lease and operate three commercial business properties in Virginia City, Montana: 1) Virginia City Depot; 2) Tent Village; 3) Horseback riding concession. The Request for Proposals can be obtained by calling 449-6522, or online at www.montanaheritagecommission.com, click on News, What's New. The deadline for proposals is 5:00 p.m., November 18, 2005. This deadline may be extended

A report from Janna, with a picture: September 2005 Collections Report.

The 2006 schedule for the Virginia City Institute has been released. Please see Virginia City Institute 2006 Schedule

Here is a link to a book review from Nick Heather (one of our volunteer book reviewers). The review is on our website at MHC Book Review of the Month. Nick plans to send his next review, covering both "Speaking Ill of the Dead" and "Still Speaking Ill of the Dead", by late October. He will send a review of the two volume history "Journeys to the Land of Gold" by late December or early January. Our other book reviewers will be coming forward with new reviews also.

The Clean Indoor Air Act takes effect 1st October. We are working with Concessionaires who use Commission-owned liquor licenses regarding implementing the Act.

A from Donnie Sexton with information about Virginia City and Nevada City: "Just to let you know that my Lewis, Clark and You in Montana story went up on www.travellady.com Friday. It's also archived under Destinations - US - Western States - Montana and the following special interest topics: Heritage Travel, Inns, Learning Vacations, and Wild West. Joyce."

Information about a new railroad for Montana: "As many of you are aware, Rarus Railway will be operating an excursion train between Butte and Anaconda. With input provided by many of you, the excursion train has been named the "Copper King Express"! This Saturday, October 1st, we are unveiling one of the passenger cars to the public. The passenger car named the "City of Anaconda" will be on display at Benny Goodman Park from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. Cookies, cake and refreshments will be served to the public. Children will get an engineers cap to take home. The first train is planned for the spring of 2006. We recently had the Federal Railroad Administration look at the cars and the inspection went very well. If there are no surprises, we expect tickets for the excursion train to go on sale later this winter for next year's tourist season. The excursion train was also recently granted an all beverage liquor license. Passengers will be able to enjoy a refreshing drink, such as a glass of wine. We have started to receive inquiries for class reunions, weddings and even company outings. Hopefully, we will attract many tourists that will benefit our local businesses." For more information go to: Rarus Railroad Description

The Virginia City Christmas Socials are gearing up for another great year. Toni James (Rank's Drug) and Marti Benedict will be co-coordinating the events this year, with the Virginia City Chamber stepping forward again to coordinate decorating of the town. A note from Abby: "Hi Chamber Members, The chamber will again be the organizing group in charge of decorating Virginia City for the Christmas season. Like we did last year, we're asking chamber members to help with gathering the greenery & natural trimmings. All are encouraged to collect greenery (pine boughs, juniper boughs, etc) and natural trimmings (dried flowers, rose hips, sage brush, cat tails, etc) and put them in the VC Community Center. The VC Community Center is always open and will have signs instructing you where to put what. All are invited to help with the assembly & hanging of the decorations. We'll be assembling/hanging decorations on Saturday & Sunday, November 19 & 20th. Dress warm and bring work gloves and wire cutters. The chamber does have some supplies but it's always good to have more than enough. :) Hope you all can participate in some way. Abby." For a complete calendar of events, go to 2005 Virginia City Christmas Socials.

News from the Film Office: "Helena, MT - September 30, 2005 - The Montana Film Office, Department of Commerce was the recipient of an Honorable Mention for The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act: A Film Industry Incentive project by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). IEDC's professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession. "We are incredibly pleased to accept this high honor from the IEDC," said Sten Iversen, Manager of the Montana Film Office. "It is rewarding to see our work to increase film production and improve Montana's economy get international recognition."

Info about grant dollars available: "Special Events Grant Program Funds Available Helena - October 5, 2005 - Montana communities, organizations and tribal governments sponsoring or planning new annual events are invited to apply for $50,000 in state tourism "bed tax" grant funds available from the Montana Department of Commerce, Travel Montana Special Events Grant Program (SEGP). The SEGP application deadline is January 13, 2006. Events or festivals established prior to May 30, 2003 are not eligible for funding under the program. Grants will be awarded based on a 3-tier approach that ranks counties on the basis of lowest per capita income, slowest population growth and highest unemployment. The grants are designed to be matching funds for non-profit organizations involved in developing new annual events. For more information about the SEGP, or to request an application, contact Travel Montana, 406-841-2870. SEGP application materials can be downloaded from Travel Montana's Intranet site: travelmontana.mt.gov."

News from ITRR: "I am pleased to announce our most recent edition of Niche News is now available on our web site at the link below under "2005 Resident Travel " and "Travel Quarter 1&2". This niche news represents Montana residents during the 1st six months (Jan.-June) of 2005. Residents were intercepted at gas stations throughout Montana and asked to complete the Resident Travel Survey. Travel refers to trips 50+ miles from home. Niche News Publication Please forward this announcement to anyone who might find these publications to be of interest."  To see the latest Niche News, go to Niche News Publication.

The Historic and Cultural Advisory Council will meet on 14th November at the State Capitol. Pls see the agenda at Nov 14th Meeting Agenda

Thank you for supporting Montana's heritage.

Jeffrey Tiberi, Executive Director
Montana Heritage Commission
P.O.B. 201204
Helena, MT 59620-1204
www.montanaheritagecommission.com
406 443 2081
fax 406 449-7081
jtiberi@mt.gov