Penny Redli, Executive Director of the Museum of the Beartooths, leads the museum in preserving and sharing the history, art, and culture of Stillwater County.

I’ve been the director of the Museum of the Beartooths for 18 years and am a fourth-generation Montanan. The museum sits in the quiet town of Columbus, Montana, just steps from the historic main street, in a modest, single-story building surrounded by and outdoor exhibits. Beyond its unassuming exterior the rugged Beartooth Mountains rise in the distance, a constant reminder of the wild heritage that shaped this region. Inside, visitors can explore Stillwater County’s stories and artifacts in a space that feels both welcoming and connected to its landscape.

Mining is one of the central threads of that story. The Benbow and Mouat mines became major producers of chromium during both World Wars. The demand made Stillwater County part of the global story, fueling the war effort overseas.

That legacy of mining continues today. Just outside of Nye sits the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine, the only platinum and palladium mine in the Western Hemisphere. These platinum group metals, vital for everything from catalytic converters to jewelry, have shaped the economy and identity of our region for generations.

In the summer, we lead tours to the old Benbow and Mouat sites. The day ends at Lake Camp, a ghost town once bustling with miners. Standing there among the quiet mountains, you can almost hear the echoes of life during the boom years.

Mining is just one chapter of Stillwater County’s history. At the museum, we also share stories of the Crow people, homesteaders, the railroad, Montana Silversmiths, and even the darker chapters, like the last legal hanging in the county. Our mission is simple: to preserve these stories and connect people to the past in meaningful ways.

Step inside the Museum of the Beartooths to interact with our exhibits, explore artifacts, and hear the stories of the people who shaped this land. Whether you’re here to learn, explore, or simply be inspired, there’s always more to discover at the museum.