It’s a chance to go “behind the scenes” and see how one of Montana’s most famous and wealthy families really lived.
This Saturday, Nov. 12 is the fifth annual Upstairs Downstairs at the Charles M. Bair Family Museum in Martinsdale.
It’s a rare opportunity for visitors go upstairs to the private family living quarters off limits during regular tours.
“They kept it simple and plain and that’s where they lived,” says Elizabeth Guheen, Bair Family Museum director and chief curator. “That’s where they went to bed every night. Mary's (Mrs. Bair's) bedroom is upstairs. She passed away in 1950 and they never changed it. So you get to see behind the scenes. Downstairs is very opulent and fun, but upstairs is where they lived."
She says they dress up the downstairs for this one-day-only event, setting the table with Mary’s and her daughters’ fine linens from the late 19th century, as well as Mary’s gold and white Limoges wedding china.
“It’s a collection, a lot of their beautiful dishes, glasses and silverware we put out for the one day,” Guheen says.
They also display the mink coats worn by the women and some of their fancier clothing, including Mrs. Bair's dresses from the 1870s and 80s. These dresses are so delicate they're only displayed this one day.
The Bair Family Museum will be open for this rare, once-a-year opportunity from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Charles M. Bair Family Museum, 2751 MT Hwy 294, Martinsdale.
