Our mission
Vision
Inspiring Generations Through Heritage
Our vision is to create a space where history and education come together to inspire future generations. We believe that by preserving the past, we can empower children to build a brighter future. Our vision extends beyond the walls of the museum, reaching into homes, schools, and communities as we foster a culture of learning, respect, and curiosity. We see ourselves as stewards of both history and childhood, ensuring that every child who walks through our doors leaves with a sense of wonder and possibility.
This vision extends far beyond the walls of the Little Bear School House Museum. We see our role as reaching into homes, schools, and communities, fostering a culture of learning, respect, and curiosity that transcends generations. By engaging families, educators, and neighbors, we create opportunities for shared discovery and dialogue, ensuring that history is not only remembered but also celebrated as a vital part of daily life.
Community & Engagement
We believe that families are our most important partners, and everything we do is built on the foundation of collaboration and trust. Parents are not only welcome but encouraged to take an active role in our programs, whether by volunteering at events, sharing their own stories and traditions, or simply spending time alongside their children during activities. We recognize that parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers, and by working together, we create a seamless bridge between home, school, and community. This partnership ensures that children feel supported in every aspect of their development and that families feel connected to the learning process in meaningful ways.
Our community partnerships with local schools, libraries, and cultural organizations allow us to expand our reach and provide even more opportunities for children and families. These collaborations bring additional resources, expertise, and creativity into our programs, enriching the experiences we can offer. By working hand in hand with educators, historians, and community leaders, we ensure that our initiatives are not only educational but also culturally relevant and deeply rooted in the heritage of Gallatin Gateway. These partnerships also allow us to extend our impact beyond the museum walls, reaching families who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
Values
Safety, Trust, and Community
Our values guide everything we do. We prioritize safety in every aspect of our programs, from the physical environment to the emotional well-being of each child. Trust is at the heart of our relationships with families, and we work hard to create an atmosphere where parents feel confident leaving their children in our care. Community is the foundation of our work, and we actively seek to build partnerships that strengthen the bonds between families, educators, and neighbors. These values ensure that our programs are not only educational but also deeply meaningful for everyone involved.
Safety is our first and most important priority. We understand that parents entrust us with their children, and we take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness. From the physical environment of our historic schoolhouse to the emotional well-being of each child, safety is woven into every decision we make. Our facilities are regularly inspected and maintained, our staff undergoes thorough training and background checks, and our programs are designed to create a secure, nurturing atmosphere where children can explore freely without fear. Beyond physical safety, we also prioritize emotional safety—ensuring that every child feels respected, heard, and supported as they grow.
Programs/Services
Our programs are thoughtfully designed to serve children from preschool through elementary age, with activities carefully tailored to meet the developmental needs of each stage. We recognize that every child grows and learns at their own pace, so our approach is flexible, nurturing, and responsive to individual strengths and interests. For our youngest learners in preschool, we focus on building foundational skills through play, storytelling, and hands-on exploration. These early experiences help children develop language, motor skills, and social awareness in a safe and joyful environment. As children move into the early elementary years, our curriculum expands to include more structured academic learning, while still emphasizing creativity, curiosity, and discovery. Older elementary students are encouraged to take on projects that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing them for future educational success while keeping the joy of learning alive.
Our curriculum is a unique blend of academic learning and creative exploration, designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of knowledge. We integrate literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts with opportunities to explore history and culture in meaningful ways. By connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences and historical stories, we help children see the relevance of what they are learning and encourage them to ask questions, make connections, and think deeply. This balance ensures that children are not only gaining the skills they need for school but also developing the confidence, resilience, and imagination that will serve them throughout their lives.
Impact
Building Connections That Last
The impact of our work can be seen in the lives of the children and families we serve. By combining history with early education, we create experiences that leave lasting impressions. Children develop a love of learning, parents find support and connection, and the community as a whole benefits from a stronger sense of shared heritage. Our workshops, events, and collaborative initiatives bring people together across generations, fostering pride in our local history while also preparing children for the future. The impact of our work is not just measured in numbers but in the smiles, stories, and memories that families carry with them long after their visit.
Parents, too, find meaningful support and connection through our work. Many families tell us that our programs provide a sense of reassurance, knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment where they are encouraged to grow both academically and emotionally. Parents often form friendships with one another during our events, creating networks of support that extend well beyond our programs. These relationships strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of belonging that is vital in today’s fast-paced world.
Join Us
Building a Career with Purpose At Little Bear School House Museum and Historical Society, we believe that our team is the heart of our mission. We are always looking for dedicated, compassionate, and creative individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Our team culture is built on collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to safety and excellence. Working with us means joining a supportive environment where your talents are valued and your contributions have a lasting impact. Career opportunities range from educators and program coordinators to administrative and community engagement roles. The application process is simple: interested candidates can submit their resume and cover letter to our email, and our leadership team will follow up with next steps. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a variety of perspectives strengthens our ability to serve families. Joining our team is more than a job—it is a chance to be part of a community that values history, education, and the future of every child.