The Museum collects, preserves, and interprets fine art, historical, archaeological, and ethnological artifacts that pertain to Montana and its adjoining geographic region. Besides caring for the Society's museum collections, program staff conduct research, produce exhibits - long-term exhibits, special exhibits, archived exhibits, andtraveling exhibits, sponsor public programs, answer reference requests from the public, and provide technical assistance to other museums and historical societies. If you would like to obtain aphotographic reproduction of artwork or artifacts from out collection, please email museumphotos@mt.gov . The Museum also preserves the Original Governor's Mansion as an historic house museum. The Museum's Education and Outreach Office offers guided tours, school services, conferences, workshops, classes, publications, hands-on activities, and other public events. The Museum also administers volunteer services within the Society and coordinates two major annual events - the Montana History Conference and the Western Rendezvous of Art.

The many public activities of the Museum reach a large and diverse audience throughout the state and region. In 2001, over 75,972 people visited Montana's Museum and educational outreach programs served an additional 45,906 individuals.

The Montana Historical Society's Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums, the highest honor a museum can receive.