The Return of the Montana Mining Hall of Fame — A Legacy Reborn in 2026

In 1965, when the World Museum of Mining first opened on the Orphan Girl Mine Yard, its founders imagined a place where Montana’s mining story—and the people behind it—would be honored for generations. The previous year, on April 8, the very first inductee entered the Montana Mining Hall of Fame: Reno Sales, a pioneering geologist whose work shaped both the Anaconda Copper Mining Company and the field of geology itself.

For more than six decades, Reno Sales has stood alone in the Hall of Fame. His induction represents the founders’ original intent: to recognize the individuals whose skill, sacrifice, and innovation built Montana’s mining legacy. Now, with the support of partners and community members, that vision is ready to grow.

In 2026, the World Museum of Mining, in partnership with the Montana Mining Association, will bring the Montana Mining Hall of Fame back to life. This renewed Hall of Fame will finally fulfill the founders’ wishes by honoring the miners, engineers, geologists, safety leaders, and visionaries who shaped the Treasure State—those whose stories deserve to be preserved with dignity and gratitude.

This is more than an exhibit. It is a commitment to memory, to heritage, and to the people who built Montana.

And this is where our donors make all the difference.

Your support will help us:

Build a permanent, dignified home for the Hall of Fame
Research and document the lives of inductees
Create accessible, educational displays for visitors of all ages
Preserve the stories of Montana’s mining community for future generations

By investing in the Hall of Fame, you are helping ensure that the people who shaped Montana’s mining history are remembered—not just in records, but in a place where their contributions can inspire generations to come.

As we prepare for this historic relaunch, the legacy of Reno Sales reminds us why this work matters. In 2026, the Montana Mining Hall of Fame will return as a living tribute to the men and women who built the Treasure State—one remarkable individual at a time.

Montana Mining Hall of Fame

A Tribute to the Innovators, Laborers, and Visionaries of Montana Mining