A John Deere machine committed one of the first ceremonial acts on Monday to establish a historical museum in Southeast Montana that will recognize and honor the region's rich history.
The Billings Gazette reports Hardin will host the Big Horn County Historical Museum. As many as 300 viewers watched as four bulldozers broke ground in the southeast region of the city, where the 13,690-square-foot building will be. The building may be standing within one year.
"It will have a 3,400-square-foot gallery, which is larger than the existing building," according to Glennine Schoen who keeps close tabs with the fundraising committee chairman.
The museum board has raised $2.3 million thus far. Big Horn County commissioners granted $1 million to the cause.
Three of the bulldozers breaking ground were donated. Ed Orser, a supporter of the museum from Billings, was atop his John Deere machinery, which was from the 1950s. All pieces of agricultural and farm equipment kicked off the effort in unison.
"This is an amazing day," according to museum director Diane Scheidt, who said the large number of attendees at the groundbreaking demonstrates large support for and involvement in the cause.
Deere dozer among machines breaking ground for Montana museum
A Deere dozer was one of four machines to break ground for a Montana museum.