Ninepipes Museum reopens doors for free public viewing

By Lailani Upham

A sheep wagon dated back to the 1890’s is parked in front of Ninepipes Museum six miles south of Ronan on Highway 93. (Lailani Upham photo)

NINEPIPES — In an economic recession residential homes are not the only buildings facing bank foreclosure.

Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization is seeking donations and grants to help keep the doors open for generations to come.

According to Laurel Cheff, co-owner with husband Bud Cheff are both hoping to raise approximately $450,000 to buy the museum and the 3.5 acres it sits on, otherwise the doors will close and the bank will siege the inventory as well. According to Laurel they are hoping it might take a year to raise the funds to save the museum.

The building is owned and leased to the non-profit agency through the Ninepipes Lodge, LLC. The Ninepipes Lodge is currently on the market to be sold at approximately $850,000.

The 1997 opening of the museum was sparked from a lifelong passion for local historian Bud Cheff who began his collection of artifacts at the age of nine.

The museum is situated along the beautiful Mission Mountain range on Highway 93 between Ronan and St, Ignatius. The museum includes a collection of 450 historical photographs, according to Cheff. The large collection of artifacts and antiques represent more than a century of life with on Flathead Reservation and the early homesteading era.

The museum offers collected treasures also from Indian tribes throughout Montana and South Dakota, with several items on loan from tribal elders including Eneas Conko of the Pend d’Oreilles and George Kickingwoman of the Blackfeet Tribe, according to Cheff.

Ninepipes has hosted many tours for individuals, schools and organizations to bring first hand historical stories from Cheff himself.

“The history of Ninepipes Museum is one of genuine love that records early life in Montana,” wrote Matt Ross, a “Today” correspondent, wrote in Indian Country Today.

Original letters between Charlie Russell and Frank Linderman are on display in the Gallery of the Art of The Old West.

Ninepipes Museum will be open with free admission to the public on Wednesday, March 4 through Friday, March 5, from 11 am - 4 pm in an effort to raise support and to allow local residents to see and appreciate what the museum has to offer, according to Cheff.

“Be sure to come in and see this amazing treasure. We want you to know how important the museum is to the area,” Cheff encouraged.

Beginning March 4 until April 1 the museum will resume their spring schedule from 9 am - 6 pm, seven days a week. For information and donations please call Bud or Laurel Cheff at (406) 644-3435. Or you may visit the website to also make a donation at www.ninepipes.org.