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About Museum of the Mountain West

Location:

68169 East Miami Road, Montrose, CO 81401, US

Mission Statement

The mission of the Museum of the Mountain West (MMW) is to educate children and adults in the history and culture of the American West through the collecting, historic preservation, stewardship, restoration, and display of historical buildings and artifacts.

Description

Richard E. Fike founded the Museum in 1997. He is a retired historical archaeologist having served as state archaeologist for the Bureau of Land Management in both Utah and Colorado. Fike served on committees in both Utah and Colorado for the Federal & State Register of Historic Places and is an expert in historical restoration. Fike began collecting western memorabilia when he was 4 years old. He had his first museum in his parent’s guest room at the age of 8. By age 12, he had begun his card catalog of artifacts. This Museum is the result of Fike’s lifetime dedication to preserving the history of the west. The Museum was incorporated in 2005 and is designated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service. All donations are tax deductible. The artifacts, buildings, and grounds are in the process of being donated by the Fikes to the 501(c)(3) for the education and enjoyment of visitors for generations to come.