Library Guides: Architecture Research Guide: Historic Preservation in Montana

Historic Preservation in Montana

Resources found in the MSU and UMT Libraries:

The Montana Architectural Drawings database is available online and provides citations of architectural drawings housed in the Montana State University Library Special Collections in Bozeman, Montana and the University of Montana Library Archives in Missoula, Montana.
- Both university collections include architectural drawings of: businesses, churches, colleges, government buildings, hospitals, organization buildings, parks, residences, schools, and miscellaneous. Architectural drawings are not digitized.
- Please contact MSU Archives and Special Collections to schedule an appointment to view drawings. You can also request reproductions.
- Please review the University of Montana Archives & Special Collections visitation and reproduction policies.
Bozeman City Development Plans, 1904-1992.
- The Bozeman City Development Plans consist of a collection of maps, profiles, diagrams, proposed land use and subdivision plans, street, sewer, water and utility maintenance, and additions. In addition to documents pertaining specifically to Bozeman and Gallatin County, there are a few sets of drawings that document zoning and construction activities in cities elsewhere, likely retained by the Bozeman City Engineer for comparison purposes.
- Please contact MSU Archives and Special Collections to schedule an appointment to view materials. You can also request reproductions.

Other Montana Historic Preservation Resources:

Bozeman Historic Resource Inventory Map
The Bozeman Historic Resource Inventory is a survey that details over 4,000 buildings mainly in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District.
Historic Montana
Search content from the thousands of National Register of Historic Places interpretive signs placed at buildings, neighborhoods, and cultural sites across the state.
Historic Neighborhoods of Missoula
A growing collection of documents relating to neighborhoods in the city of Missoula, Montana.
Montana Farm House Plans
The April 1937 Montana Extension Service in Agriculture and Home Economics Bulletin (#152) writes about recommended house plans for farms. Presents various houses with front elevations and floor plans. Discusses rooms, features, and how to obtain architectural drawings.
Montana in the National Register of Historic Places
Complete nominations for 89 historic sites located throughout Montana. In addition to detailed descriptions and discussion of historical significance, the nomination packets include maps, blueprints and photographs. The Montana State Historic Preservation Office houses more than 1600 such forms; this digital collection encompasses only born-digital nominations from 2006-2010.
Montana State Historic Preservation Office
The Montana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) works together with all Montanans to promote the preservation of our state's historic and cultural places.
Researching Your Historic Montana Property
This guide from the Montan State Historic Preservation Office is designed to help you compile the information necessary to nominate a property to the National Register of Historic Places.

Sanborn Maps of Montana
- This link opens in a new window
Access Montana Sanborn fire insurance maps electronically

Suggestions for Rural House Planning
The June 1929 Montana Extension Service in Agriculture and Home Economics Bulletin (#102) about planning and building homes in rural areas. Covers exterior structures and materials, room use and arrangement in floor plans, interior structures such as walls and floors, heating and lighting, water and sewage, fire and lightning protection, and costs. Includes bibliography, sample floor plans, and a sample building contract.
Virginia City Historic Architecture Inventory Collection
A comprehensive inventory of almost 300 historic and non-historic properties in Virginia City, MT.
Yellowstone National Park Maps & Drawings
This collection includes unique and rare maps, plans and drawings of roads, trails, and structures from Yellowstone, the world's first National Park and a world heritage site.