The World Museum of Mining (WMM) was founded in 1963 by the hard work and commitment of the Butte Exchange Club and individuals who realized the importance of preserving Butte’s mining and cultural heritage. They had the foresight to recognize that Butte’s future citizens and visitors would seek knowledge of the intricate workings of the mines and the people who contributed to this era in America’s history. The economy of Butte was changing, moving from deep underground mining to large-scale open pit mining. This shift meant neighborhoods and underground mines would be swallowed up by the open pit mining leaving no trace of the substantial cultural and historical aspects of the community. The Exchange Club identified the danger of losing resources that interpreted Butte’s and the region’s past. They convinced the Anaconda Mining Company (ACM), who was the holder of the vast mining properties spread throughout the area, to donate the Orphan Girl mining property for the purpose of establishing a place of preservation for cultural and historical artifacts.

Currently staff and volunteers forge ahead with the ideals that shaped the museum and work diligently to continue to tell the story of an internationally renowned city that produced fabulous fortunes from its mines and also to honor the descendants of a melting pot of cultures whose pride in their heritage and traditions is evident even today. WMM is currently working with an architect to build a new Mining Heritage Center in order to have year round operations to meet its mission:  “To preserve the rich historical legacy of mining and the related culture of Butte, Montana, and the surrounding region and to promote the significant mining heritage by educating the public with a perspective toward total family interest.” Phase 1 was completed in 2022 with phase 2 of this 4 phase project starting in 2023.