Clarks Fork Valley Museum

The Rae School represents an invaluable piece of Montana's foundational history: the pioneer schoolhouse. This remarkable log structure, built in 1889 in Red Lodge, Montana, stands as a tangible testament to a significant era. That same year marked Montana's momentous transition to statehood, making the school a contemporary symbol of the pioneering spirit that shaped our region.

The construction of this essential building was a profound labor of dedication led by John Wilson Rae, an immigrant from Scotland, alongside his wife, Margaret. This pioneering couple, who raised a family of ten, embodied the resilience and determination of early settlers. Their son’s vivid memories provide a unique glimpse into the raw beginnings of Red Lodge. He described a fledgling settlement upon their family's arrival, consisting of only three houses, a single general store, and a few saloons. Amidst this burgeoning frontier, the newly constructed schoolhouse quickly became a vital cornerstone, serving as one of the first educational institutions in all of Carbon County.

Fast forward to 2016, and this precious relic began an extraordinary journey of preservation. To secure its future for generations to come, the schoolhouse was carefully dismantled and transported from its original location in Red Lodge to its new, permanent home at the Clarks Fork Valley Museum in Fromberg, Montana.

Today, we are diligently engaged in the final, critical phase of its comprehensive restoration. Our dedicated team is working tirelessly to place this significant historical structure on a stable, permanent foundation. This crucial step is more than a mere physical repair; it ensures the enduring longevity of a direct link to our past. It will provide countless future generations with the unique opportunity to step back in time, forge a personal connection with our rich heritage, and deeply appreciate the tenacious legacy of Montana's early settlers.