Founded in 1972, the Cascade County Historical Society administers a museum, an archives, and a rather extensive educational program. The museum, which has over 95,000 objects in its permanent collection, offers changing interpretive exhibits that tell the stories of the individuals and groups who have added to the diversity of the Central Montana region. The archives is a repository for photographs, newspapers, records and ledgers. It also houses special collections of homesteading research, immigration records, and tax records. The educational programs include a free monthly program series, an annual Cottonwood Festival, docent education tours, and special classes. A gift shop showcases regional books and gifts. For ongoing programs and exhibits, please refer to the High Plains Heritage Center website.